Tangled Temptations

It was almost noon when Orlena finally woke up.

Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself in the home Brett had given her. She blinked, snuggled the stuffed bunny that sat next to her pillow, and rolled around a few times, her heart swelling with fondness for Brett.

Getting up from the bed, she saw the breakfast he had prepared for her. The fruits were freshly washed, so meticulously prepared.

He spoiled her like a child, treating her like a princess. Any woman would find his attention utterly sweet.

Orlena wanted to cook him dinner, but her skills were lacking. After messing around in the kitchen for a bit, even the rice ended up burnt and had to be thrown away. In the end, she ordered takeout.

Around four in the afternoon, Brett came back from a meeting.

He looked at the dining table, took off his coat and casually threw it on the couch, then teased her, "For your beloved Brett, you've painstakingly ordered a table full of takeout?"

His girl reached out her hand, a small cut from chopping vegetables visible. Her eyes were filled with tears.

Brett's heart instantly softened, and he affectionately chided her, "Silly girl!"

He tended to her wound, and they had dinner together.

After dinner, he sat on the couch, smoking quietly. There was an air of self- satisfaction about him, and coupled with his well-mannered good looks, he looked like a scene straight out of a painting.

He was thinking about something happened today.

During the meeting that day, he had turned down a promotion. It was about the development of a new type of metal that could be used in aerospace technology, and potentially even in stealth jets. If successful, it could accelerate domestic technological advancement by 30 years.

With ample funding and significant decision-making power, it was an opportunity many coveted.

Four years of research and development, and upon success, his future would be brighter than ever.

But Brett had declined, recommending a younger colleague instead. He didn't regret it. Even though he had spent half his life working towards such opportunities, things were different now. He had Orlena, and he wanted to give her a home.

Orlena nestled into him.

Brett extinguished his cigarette, looking at her sternly, "Will you cook again next time?"

She arched her back, snuggled into his chest, and quietly promised to learn to cook for Brett.

Brett smiled lightly. Despite his melancholy, he preferred to listen to her talk about everyday things.

Orlena had been with him for a while now, and was finally feeling ashamed for not contributing to the household. Her small face was pressed against his firm stomach as she fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, whispering, "A magazine asked me to be the cover model a few days ago!"

She made a number sign with her fingers, "There's a payment involved!"

Brett lowered his head to pinch her cheek, praising her, "You are so capable! Not everyone gets such opportunities, right?"noveldrama

She naturally bloomed with joy, thrilled beyond measure.

But Brett had considerations. After all, she was going to be his wife, and it wasn't suitable for her to be in the public eye too much. So, he first praised her without any hint of disapproval, then gently raised a few issues.

The young girl was discouraged, "Maybe, I shouldn't go after all!" She didn't need the money. She just wanted to hear Brett say nice things about her.

Orlena smiled, "So, you'll take care of me?"

Brett kissed her little head, "Hmm! I will always take care of you."

...

And so, they lived a life akin to that of a married couple in that luxurious apartment.

Brett came over almost every week. He cooked for her, she massaged his back and legs for him, and at night, she would climb into his arms wearing his shirt.

Occasionally, he would receive some private calls.

Mr. Moreno and others would invite him out, but Brett always declined. He left some social obligations to Donny to handle, rarely went to social events, and never took her with him.

When Orlena asked, he simply said it wasn't a place for a young girl like her. But he was very lax with his control over her, and didn't meddle in her interactions with her friends.

He took her skiing, and to see the Northern Lights when he had some free time. Those six months were truly the sweetest and most beautiful times for them.

As the New Year approached, Brett started to get busy.

They hadn't seen each other for quite a few days, Orlena was lying on the bed calling him, her tone full of girlish shynesse.

A sound came from downstairs. It seemed like Pauline was crying. "What happened?" Brett had heard it too and couldn't help but ask.

Orlena whispered, "I'll go downstairs and check."

She hung up the phone and hurried downstairs. Halfway down the stairs she saw her brother Harvey standing in the middle of the hall, their mother was hugging Harvey's shoulders and crying, and their father was comforting them at the side.

Orlena was stunned for a moment.

At that moment, Pauline looked up and saw her, her voice choked with sobs, "Orlena, come here. Look at Linda."

Orlena's heart pounded as she ran downstairs.

Harvey showed her a photo on his phone.

Linda was half a year old now, with brown hair, and her skin was visibly rosy. She was so adorable.

Orlena covered her mouth and greedily stared at the photo, whispering, "She looks so much like her mother!"

Pauline also burst into excited tears.

Despite shedding tears of joy, Parker was a man who valued face and said, "It's good she looks like her mother, if she looked like her father, it would be over. Who would dare to accept her when she grows up!"

Pauline gave her husband a reproachful look.

Parker's voice softened, "Look, the child is healthy, you don't need to weep every day anymore. Cheer up, there will be plenty of grandchildren for us to help take care of in the future. With Harvey's ability, I'm sure he can give us a big family!" Orlena teased, "Dad, you're comparing big brother to a breeding pig!"

Parker laughed heartily, but his laughter was tinged with melancholy, Linda was slowly getting better, but their home was still missing someone. He wondered how Eloise was doing now.

Orlena didn't return to her room until late at night. She sent the photo to Brett, and after a while, she received a call from him. In the middle of the night, he didn't say anything, just softly murmured her name, "Orlena."

She responded.

They both knew what the other was feeling. Linda's recovery gave them hope for their future together. Perhaps they didn't need to sneak around anymore.

She fell asleep clutching her phone.

Early in the morning, Brett called her, saying he would be at the apartment in an hour. His voice was slightly hoarse; it was clear that he had been

working all night and then rushe

over in the early morning. Ortena felt a mix of joy and concern. She softly said, "I'll drive over myself. You don't have to come pick me up!"

Besides, her brother was home, and his eyes were sharp.

Brett hummed in agreement, gently reminding her to drive carefully.

They arrived at the apartment almost simultaneously. Their cars bumped into each other downstairs, and Donny greeted them with a smile, carrying some fruits, vegetables, and daily necessities upstairs first.

In the cold winter morning, Brett undid his coat buttons. She gently fell into his arms, pushing him against the car. Brett held her, leaning in for a kiss. He was no spring chicken, but right now he wanted to do something irrational.

After a long kiss, he asked in a hoarse voice, "Miss me?"

She did miss him!

At this point, Donny came down, smiling, "Everything's all set. I'll pick you up at

two in the afternoon."

Orlena blushed a little.

Brett held her hand and led her

upstairs. He seemed a bit eager, hurriedly taking off her coat as soon as they entered the door. One hand caressed her body while he kissed her. They rarely did such things outside the bedroom, yet, today he was unusually eager, promptly laying her on the couch.

In just a few minutes, they succumbed to lust.

Orlena had never experienced such an intensely passionate moment. She clung

to his neck, her eyes sparkling, filled with infatuation for him.

Brett was sweaty, starting to kiss her. He was both strong and skilled, every time

easily reducing her to a sobbing mess.

Finally satisfied, he held her, taking a quick shower before laying down to rest together.

Orlena lay in his arms. She was a bit nervous. He hadn't taken precautions earlier, but she hoped that she was in her safe period, so there shouldn't be any issues. She leaned on Brett's shoulder, quietly complaining about his stamina.

Brett turned his body to her, kissing her again. After a long while, he softly asked, "Are you not happy?"

She blinked gently, vaguely understanding his meaning. Linda was getting better, and they could be together without hiding.

But marriage, that was a matter for

the man to bring up. Even if she was eagerly anticipating it, she felt bashful about being the first to broach the subject. Brett knew her delicate thoughts. He was in good

spirits, and in such a mood, couldn't

resist another round.

Orlena fell asleep exhausted. Brett, however, was overjoyed. He got up to cook

for her and even prepared a plate of cut fruit. Before he left, he patted the velvet

box in his pocket.