Tangled Temptations

The next day, Harvey awoke to see Eloise's face. She was squatting by the sofa, covering Linda's little feet with a blanket.

Perhaps the secret he had been keeping had come to light last night, causing a shift in the atmosphere between them, but Eloise carried on as usual, asking him gently, "Why did you sleep in the study with Linda?"

Harvey stared at her for a moment before he rasped out, "I didn't want to wake you."

They both knew it was just an excuse.

Eloise didn't pry further. She simply patted Linda's head and said, "I'll go make breakfast."

As she got up to leave, he grabbed her arm. His voice was low as he said, "Eloise, I want to have breakfast with you."

She paused, then smiled and agreed. As she walked away, her slender figure radiated grace. She seemed to understand what was troubling him.

But if he didn't speak up, she wouldn't offer. However, even if he did, would she give him what he was seeking?

While Eloise was making breakfast, Harvey walked into the kitchen. He was neatly dressed, and his scent was fresh. As he drew closer, she could smell a hint of aftershave.

He leaned in to steal a good morning kiss. He kissed her lightly behind the ear. His voice was husky and indistinct. "Did you hear it last night?"

Eloise was confused for a moment. She tried to push him away, but he held her tight around the waist.

Their bodies were pressed so close together. She could almost feel his arousal. She couldn't help but wonder, wasn't he satisfied after his masturbation the previous night?

"We need to take Linda to school soon, and you need to go to the office."

He still wouldn't let her go, murmuring, “Always finding excuses, Eloise. Do you enjoy brushing off your husband with these reasons? Do you even care about me anymore? You don't care about Monika's letter, my body. Even when I'm entertaining clients, you never call..."

He finally asked the question, “Eloise, do you still love me?"

Eloise was taken aback. Ever since they made up, he had been good to her and never asked for anything. Now, he was asking for love.

There were many things a person could achieve, but at their age, love was a luxury. She remembered once yearning for his love, but now, he was the one who was unsatisfied.

Eloise gently stroked his handsome face, which was warm and tangible. She was content with their current life. She thought he was too, but she didn't realize he would be so persistent.

Eloise gave him a light smile. "Of course I love you."

Harvey stared at her for a long time before quietly saying, "I've asked Denise to clear my schedule for a month. We should take a family trip, travel around the country."

Eloise frowned. "But Linda has to go to school, and she can't miss her piano lessons. Darrien is too young, and..." She listed many reasons, but didn't give a definitive answer.

Harvey's expression darkened. She never really thought about going on a trip with him, did she? Besides their regular life together, she never had any expectations of being with him, did she?

She... didn't love him.

Harvey just watched her quietly. After a long while, he suggested, "Eloise, maybe we should see a therapist."

He felt that either he was sick, or she had a psychological problem.

Eloise refused. She turned back to the breakfast. Her voice was light. "Harvey, aren't we fine the way we are? Many couples... get by just like this."

Harvey didn't hold her again. He stood behind her, muttering, "We are not them. We are different."

He had experienced Eloise's passion for "Harvey," but towards him, she was just like those polite, perfect couples, distant and formal.

After more than half a year, Harvey finally admitted that he hadn't truly won her

over.

In their future life, Eloise remained as gentle and caring as ever, playing the role of a wife and mother perfectly. Of course, she would also try her best to satisfy him in bed, but Harvey realized that Eloise no longer had feelings.

Often, while he was full of passion, she remained indifferent, simply going along with him. For a man, this was a huge blow.

He could no longer bring her joy.

He didn't dare to pressure her, nor did he dare to demand that she fulfill her marital duties. Their regular twice-a-week sex gradually became a rare occasion once a month.

Their days were pale and monotonous, but at least their children were healthy.

Harvey knew that Eloise had a psychological problem, but she was unwilling to seek treatment. He was even better to her than before. He was afraid that one day, she would leave him because of this dull life.

As for the class reunion, it was postponed a month due to special circumstances.

By the time it was held, it was already close to October.

Eloise was shopping with Orlena.

Orlena was now a well-known model with a good income. She had

gradually become independent, moving out of the Horigan Mansion

with Daniel. When the news came out, Eloise was shocked for along time, finding it hard to believe.

She didn't know about Orlena's determination. Brett had once said that he admired independent women, so the naive girl had taken it to heart.

After shopping, they sat down for a coffee. Coincidentally, Veronica was also there, which was a pleasant surprise. Veronica looked Eloise up and down, pinching her cheek lightly. "What on earth do you eat? You never seem to age, and your skin is even more radiant. Is Harvey pampering you well?"

Eloise no longer discussed those matters about sex. She just smiled.

Veronica mentioned the class reunion, sighing lightly. "It's been several years since the last one, Eloise. I wonder what everyone will be like when we meet again."

Veronica shared what she knew.

"Do you remember Ravenna? She's been bouncing around and ended up with a rich guy. She finally managed to outlive the first wife and step into her shoes, and now she seems quite pleased with herself.

"Max is still single though."

Eloise listened quietly. Orlena didn't say a word either. Max seemed to have become a stranger, as if he had never existed.

After finishing their coffee, Orlena had to leave early for an appointment, and Veronica had to pick up her son.

Linda's kindergarten had an event, so Eloise decided to do some more shopping on her own. This class reunion stirred some deep feelings within her. She and Harvey had become intimate on the night of their last class reunion.

For a woman, the first time is always etched in memory. Revisiting the past, she suddenly felt the urge to escape. She dialed Harvey's number, asked him to pick up Linda, saying she had some matters to resolve. There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Finally, he agreed. Eloise didn't ask her driver. She walked slowly down the streets, remembering that their old apartment was just two blocks away.

As dusk fell, under the neon lights, she saw the Ferris wheel, still standing. She stood quietly. Her eyes were glistening.noveldrama

At night, she opened the door to the apartment. Everything was as it had been. Except for the piano that had been moved, it was still the same. Eloise sat quietly within, only daring to ask herself in the still of the night-

Was it true? Did she not love Harvey?

Even if he treated her well, she stubbornly wore her old wedding ring, unwilling to take it off. She was also unwilling to start fresh with him.

Her heart was filled with the past, rejecting the present Harvey. She didn't regard

him as a husband, but as a tool to piece together a complete picture... right? Was that really how she felt?

Late into the night, she remained motionless in the apartment.

Maybe it was fatigue, but she needed to rest. Here, she didn't need to play the

role of a good wife, a good mother. She just needed to let her emotions run free,

to remember the past...

In the darkness, Eloise wept silently.

The door quietly opened. There was a sliver of light seeping in. She looked up to see her husband standing at the doorway, carrying a plastic bag. She wasn't sure what it was, but she could smell the aroma of food.

Harvey's voice was gentle and calm. "The kids are asleep. Linda is going to stay over with Darrien, and there's a housekeeper at home. We're staying here tonight."

Eloise watched him silently.

Harvey went to turn on the lights, but Eloise quietly said, "Don't, don't turn on the lights." She didn't want to appear disheveled in front of him.

Harvey closed the door, walked over in the dim light, put down the bag, and then

gently held her, whispering, "Eloise... I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry."

He had neglected her. She had suffered postpartum depression after giving birth

to Linda. Then, after she had Darrien, he had upset her again.

Everyone thought she was strong, and she thought she would be too. After their reconciliation, they seemed to be mending their relationship, but nobody knew that Eloise was actually sick. The more they rushed to mend their relationship, the worse her illness became. Until one day, she realized

it herself.

Harvey held her as she cried. He was sad but tender. "Don't be afraid. I'm here

with you. Let's see a doctor tomorrow, okay?"