Tangled Temptations

The next time he saw her was the eve of New Year's Day.

After a grueling 12-hour meeting, Brett felt the weight of the day sinking into his bones. As he headed back to his hotel, he rested his eyes in the comfort of his car. Beside him, there were two purple plush bunnies. Cute and cuddly, they seemed out of place with his professional image.

His driver, Donny, glanced at him through the rearview mirror, a smile on his face. "You'll see her tomorrow. It's been a while. Maybe it's time to bury the hatchet."

Brett reached out to stroke the bunnies' ears, grumbling, "She's just a child> It's not like I'm dying to see her."

Donny let out a hearty laugh, and Brett soon followed suit. His mood lifted, he rolled down his window to take in the city lights, sighing, "Another year has passed. Another year older."

Donny responded with a comforting tone, "You're still in your prime, sir."

And he wasn't wrong. For a man of Brett's age and status, he was considered young.

His words brought a grin to Brett's face. "Prime, huh? Eloise is about to become a mother next year, and I'm about to become an great-uncle."

With no outsiders in the car, the two men chatted freely.

Teasing him, Donny said, "With your resources, having a child wouldn't be a problem, right?"

His words drew a chuckle from Brett who lit a cigarette, "You're becoming too cheeky, Donny."

The atmosphere in the car was light-hearted as they continued their drive. Stopping at a red light near Diamond Plaza, the driver said, "Mr. Brett, there seems to be a New Year's celebration over there. Quite festive."

Brett couldn't help but look.

And festive it was. Fireworks exploded in the night sky, casting a colorful glow over the city. It was mesmerizing.

Among the crowd of young people celebrating the New Year, Brett spotted Orlena. She was bundled up in a white puffer jacket, a woolly hat on her head, and held a sparkler in her hand, looking every bit the young girl she still was.

Her cheeks were rosy from the cold, and her laughter shone brighter than the fireworks.

Brett watched her quietly.

So, while he had been missing her, she had been living her life to the fullest. He thought she would be heartbroken for a long time.

Seeing Brett's contemplation, Donny said, "Isn't that Miss Orlena? It's not safe for a young lady to be out alone this late. Why don't we offer her a ride home?"

Brett took the bait. He brushed off his trousers, opened the car door, and stepped out.

He stood not far from her, looking as dashing as ever, thinking she would notice him the moment she looked up.

Suddenly, a loud cheer rang out from the crowd.

"Propose!"

"Propose!"

"Propose... propose... propose!"

A young man was down on one knee, a bouquet of roses in his hands, confessing his love to Orlena under the fireworks.

Brett watched as Orlena covered her mouth in surprise. He watched as the young man's face showed nothing but sincerity, indicating his genuine affection for Orlena.

Brett didn't move forward, even though he had stepped out of the car and had planned his opening line.

He simply stood there, watching her receive a proposal. After a while, he let out a laugh.noveldrama

How arrogant of him!

She used to follow him around, but he had forgotten that she had plenty of other options. The Horigans were one of the richest families in the north, and she was beautiful. She could have any man she wanted.

And even if she didn't want to marry, her sister-in-law Eloise was easy to get along with. As long as she was willing, her brother, Harvey, could take care of her for the rest of her life. She could stay a little sister forever.

And what could he, Brett, offer her?

A pair of plush bunnies he had stood in line to buy, or a confession of love he didn't dare to voice? It was such a joke!

Brett had never felt such self-loathing before. When Orlena looked up, she saw Brett in a light-colored suit, looking dashing and distinguished. He outshone the entire night sky.

In front of her, the young man was still confessing his love. Unconsciously, she murmured, "Brett..."

Brett just stood there quietly, watching her.

After what felt like an eternity, he felt a sting in his eyes. He forced a smile, nodded to her, then climbed back into his black car.

The four black Audis slowly drove away.

With the two bunnies beside him, Brett leaned back in the car seat, his eyes closed, and instructed Donny, "Book a private jet for tomorrow morning."

Donny hesitated before finally saying, "You should give her the gifts you stood in line to buy yourself."

Brett covered his eyes with his hand, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "Send them to Eloise. Tell her they're for her and Orlena. Don't mention that I bought them."

His pride wouldn't allow him to let others know that he had fallen for a young girl. And so, he quietly let go.

Brett sat silently in the car. He had never felt inferior before, but when Orlena received the proposal, he felt deeply inadequate. Compared to the young man, what he had to offer seemed insignificant. He felt that he didn't deserve her.

The fireworks continued to light up the sky, and the city remained festive, but behind him, the girl he loved stood alone.

Her eyes teary, she silently called out his name as the New Year's bell tolled.

Brett...