Tangled Temptations

A photograph gently nestled into his coat pocket. With delicate fingers, Eloise smoothed it out for him, patting it down with care.

Harvey caught her eye as he withdrew the photo- It was Monika, the new intern at the firm.

He moved to the foot of the bed, loosening his tie with a soft chuckle. "All this fuss over an intern? Really, Eloise, you're making a mountain out of a molehill!"

"Just an intern?" Eloise walked over slowly, bending down to whisper, "Harvey, you've crossed a line! Do you really think I'm that temperate?"

Harvey laughed lightly, caressing her soft cheek.

Eloise didn't appreciate his casual demeanor, trying to dodge him. But his movements were swift, holding her slender waist, and his touch becoming playful and teasing...

"Is that so?

"What about you? Do you love me?

"When we're together, you call my name... Are you calling for me, Harvey, or for the man in your memories? Huh?

“Eloise, I'm just a stand-in, aren't I?

"Who's the bigger hypocrite here?"

...

Eloise felt a tight pang in her heart. With a cold laugh, she lowered her gaze. "Harvey, all your talk just boils down to one thing-you won't fire her! I need to know, are you keeping an intern around or a youthful regret? Harvey, you enjoy the benefits of our marriage while keeping her close... Who are you trying to fool?"

Eloise picked up the photograph. She shredded it right in front of Harvey.

He leaned back, his gaze clear as if he was seeing Eloise anew. After a while, he chuckled. "I didn't realize I married a fierce girl!"

With a pull, Eloise fell onto him. Their bodies were close and the atmosphere was palpable.

Eloise lowered her eyes and her voice turned cold. "I'm still within the forty-two- day recovery period after childbirth. Are you gonna be so horny?"

Harvey was in the mood for sex. Her words, however, left him deflated.

Of course, once everything was laid bare, there was no need to preten No need to mask himself, so he playfully pinched her cheek. "What can I do, Mrs. Horigan? I can't help being horny around you!"

Eloise pushed him away, straightening her clothes as she walked out of their master bedroom. That night, she didn't return to their bed.

Harvey knew she was in the guest room, or perhaps in the study, reminiscing about, "that old Harvey."

Yes, their marriage had problems. She loved her husband. As for him, he had no memories of her. They had been together for half a year, and he had tried, but he couldn't find anything resembling love.

A pile of shredded paper was on the floor.

Harvey thought that if he loved her, he would fulfill her request tonight. But he didn't love her. They were merely a couple sharing a bed with different dreams. Now, there was no need for pretense.

Harvey felt relieved. He thought marriage should be simple, like raising kids together, making love a few times on weekends when the mood struck. Talking about feelings, however, was exhausting!

However, he soon realized, Eloise wasn't just throwing a tantrum, she was serious. When he came home from social engagements, she was often not there.

The housemaid said Eloise went to the Horigan Mansion to stay overnight, to take care of the kids. Even when she was home, she refused to share a bed with him.

A week later, at Prestige Legal Advisors.

In the spacious office, Harvey sat quietly, propping his chin on his slender middle finger. After discussing business, Denise smiled. "Tomorrow is Saturday, Attorney Horigan. Have a good weekend!"

Harvey snapped back to reality, managing a weak smile.

Denise was about to suggest some tips to improve their marital relationship when

the office door gently opened, and in walked a thin, youthful figure. It was Monika, the intern.

Harvey frowned.

Denise asked, "What is it?"

Monika held up a small box of cake, saying shyly, "Attorney Horigan, today is my birthday! I made this cake myself. I'd like you to try it..."

Harvey glanced at Denise. Denise took it, placing it on the desk. "That's thoughtful

of you!"

But Monika didn't leave, biting her lip with a pitiful look. "Actually... Some colleagues are throwing me a birthday party, Attorney Horigan, Denise, I was hoping you could come!"

Denise cursed inwardly at this scheming girl.

Harvey flatly refused, "No need! And in the future, don't just barge into my office!"

She truly had Joan's face, and she was clearly trying to seduce him. But Harvey had never desired Joan, let alone this young girl before him! He just... Joan was dead, and seeing someone so similar stirred some emotions. He just hoped this girl, who looked so much like Joan, would take the right path.

Even though Eloise made such a fuss, he didn't fire her.

Harvey's refusal left Monika humiliated. She was on the verge of tears. "Attorney Horigan, I didn't mean anything by it!"

"Get out!"

Monika left, covering her face. The door closed behind her.

Harvey closed the file, speaking softly. "You said it's the weekend, right? Order a bouquet for me!" He was going to pick up Eloise.

Denise smiled and agreed.

...

Lately, Eloise had been keeping busy with her workout regimen, and was practicing yoga. When Veronica heard about its effectiveness, she gave it a try. But after less than half an hour, she was worn out. She watched Eloise, still calm and collected, in both envy and admiration. "Eloise, you're incredibly persistent!"

Eloise finished another set of poses. Their fitness instructor, knowing when he was unneeded, left them alone.

Eloise took a bottle of skin lotion, gently applied it to her waist, and spoke self- deprecatingly, "I'm a woman who's given birth to two kids. If I don't push myself to stay fit, how can I compete with young girls?"

Veronica didn't agree. Eloise had a figure that most young girls could only dream of. She gave Eloise's waist a couple of appreciative pats. Just as they were joking around, Eloise's assistant entered, speaking softly, "Ms. Laurent, there's a young girl here to see you!"

Eloise asked nonchalantly, "Did she mention why?"

"She said she's called Monika!"

Eloise took a towel and slowly wiped off her sweat, then said softly, "Let her in."

The assistant opened the door and left.

Veronica commented uncomfortably, "You mean the same girl you told me about last time? No way, Joan was so desperate back then, but Harvey didn't even bat an eye!"

Eloise chuckled. "That's called a man's nostalgia!"

Veronica rolled her eyes in response.

In no time, Ms. Natalia walked in with a very young girl. The girl was rather pretty, albeit a bit shy. Upon entering, she softly said, "Mrs. Horigan!"

Eloisa was stretching at the bar. Her slim waist, and her long straight legs, all making Monika green with envy. She even imagined how Attorney Horigan relished in the pleasure of such a splendid body at night. The mere thought had her biting her lips in frustration.

Eloise didn't immediately respond. After completing a set of stretches, she turned her head to look at the girl.

Well... quite the innocent beauty, indeed!

However, the real person didn't seem as fresh as her photos, and there was a noticeable hint of naivety. Eloise remembered how Joan's first appearance was dramatically stunning.

With these thoughts, Eloise felt somewhat relieved.

The thoughtful assistant handed over water and a towel. "Ms. Laurent, have some water!"

Eloise leaned on the bar, took a few sips, and looked at Monika with a faint smile. "What brings you here?"

Monika's red lips trembled slightly. She whispered, "Mrs. Horigan, I know you dislike me, but you don't have to be so harsh! Nobody is attending the birthday party I've been looking forward to for so long. I know it's your doing!"

A birthday party? No one was attending?

Eloise guessed it was Denise's work; just a rumor would be enough to scare anyone off from associating with Monika.

Denise was reliable indeed.

Eloise lazily chuckled. "Really? I had no idea."

With a glance, her assistant took the water cup from her hand, and she continued her stretches. Occasionally, she would casually speak, "Ms. Monika, you're young and beautiful, why waste your time on a married man! Yes, you do resemble Harvey's first love... he might occasionally look at your face and reminisce, and I don't mind, but he... he can only dream!"

Monika's pride was hurt. She didn't expect Eloise to casually expose the truth.

With a thin layer of sweat on the tip of her nose, Eloise said lightly, "You probably don't realize that Joan is taboo in our family. Even if she were to reincarnate ten times, she would never get into our family."

Monika didn't believe it. She was young and beautiful, and she didn't believe she couldn't compete with Eloise. Besides, Attorney Horigan would be here soon.

A blade suddenly appeared in Monika's hand. She held it against her pretty face, and her eyes slowly welled up with tears. "Mrs. Horigan, you've misunderstood me. I never intended to disrupt your family, and it's not my fault that I look like this! If... if you can't stand my face, I'll ruin it!"

Eloise blinked lightly. She asked her assistant, "Is Ms. Monika from the Spotlight Institute of Acting or the Stardust Academy?"

The assistant cleared her throat, "She studied History!"

Eloise nodded and continued her workout, but now six burly bodyguards in black stood in front of Monika.noveldrama

Monika turned pale; she didn't expect Eloise to be so guarded.

Eloise said nonchalantly, "If you're going to slash your face, do it quickly! When

Harvey comes, you can complain! I bullied you, and he can then take you to the hospital!"

With that said, Eloise felt a bit suffocated. Didn't Joan play the same card in the

past?

Monika's blade fell to the floor, and her red lips were trembling. "Mrs. Horigan, I

will not disrupt your family!" After saying that, she turned and ran.

Eloise chuckled lightly, guessing that Harvey had arrived.

Sure enough, Monika ran into Harvey at the door. She seemed somewhat desperate for comfort.

Harvey steadied her, and frowned, but his words were directed at Eloise. "What is she doing here?"

Before Eloise could respond, Monika was already trembling. "I'm sorry, Attorney Horigan, I have no intention of disrupting your home. Please tell Mrs. Horigan not

to worry!" Eloise couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Harvey had someone escort Monika away, and Veronica and the assistant tactfully left. Eloise finished her workout and rubbed some soothing cream on her waist. It felt incredibly comfortable as the cream warmed up on her skin.

Her waist was naturally slim, and it looked even more firm after the workout. Her skin was so soft and tender, he could wrap his hand around the small area. Harvey took the cream, and with one hand gently holding her, massaged her waist.

Eloise tilted her chin up slightly, and her eyes half-closed as she watched him. The look in her eyes was a bit provocative, indeed quite tantalizing. Harvey really wanted to have his way with her right then and there. But he knew Eloise would deliberately seduce him, and would never let him touch her!

He leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Your waist is so tight. Your skin so hot!"

Eloise sneered, "Really? I feel it can't compare to someone's face!"