Tangled Temptations

Deep into the night, the suburban mansion lay in tranquil repose.

Harvey shrugged off his overcoat, ascending the staircase with measured steps. The household staff had long since retired, leaving only the faint glow of a

nightlight to guide his way.

In the upstairs bedroom to the east, he gently pushed open the door and was greeted by a cozy, warm glow.

Eloise hadn't retired for the evening. Clad in a comfy fleece robe, she was nestled on the couch, perusing a screenplay.

Harvey softly closed the door behind him.

"Are the kids asleep? Did they have their warm milk before bed?" he asked, his voice a whisper in the calm.

Eloise looked up from her script, and her eyes met his. With an ease that spoke of long familiarity, Harvey moved to her side, intending to steal a kiss, but hesitated, murmuring, "I'll take a quick shower first."

Eloise began to rise, intending to prepare a late-night snack for him.

"No need," Harvey gently insisted. "Stay cozy. I'll just whip up some food for myself later."

After his shower, the grime of the day seemed to wash away, lifting his spirits. He joined Eloise, taking a seat beside her and enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The clean lines of his trousers and shirt clung to his freshly bathed form.

Eloise knew him well and remained quiet, respecting his need for space. She leaned into his shoulder, her voice soft as she inquired, "Is something troubling you?"

"Nothing at all," Harvey replied, his hand caressing her delicate cheek.

He descended to the kitchen and cooked a simple bowl of instant noodles. He brought a portion to Eloise, who had little appetite after her evening serving of custard. Even with a baby on the way, she was mindful of her figure.

Harvey understood her silent concerns. Sitting beside her, he savored his meal, feeling a sense of contentment.

Eloise studied his face in the lamplight-he was almost 36. The years had been kind, gifting him with lines that only added to his mature allure.

She reached out, tracing the lines at the corner of his eyes. Harvey paused briefly, then resumed his meal. "We just made love this evening, and now you're in the mood again?" he teased. His hand strayed playfully over her rounded belly.

Embarrassed yet thrilled, Eloise intended to push him away, but her fingers, finding his palm, couldn't let go, enjoying the warmth and comfort. She whispered, "Stop fooling around."

After finishing his noodles with a quiet smile, Harvey tidied up and joined Eloise back on the couch, gently combing her hair as she rested against him. It was a simple, intimate act between husband and wife in the dead of night.

Feeling at ease, Eloise nestled closer. "Harvey, you've changed so much since the old days!"

"How so?" he queried.

"It's just different! You would never have had a casual dinner by the coffee table before. You were so particular."

Harvey stroked his wife's face, allowing himself a slight smile.

Eloise buried her face in his chest. After a while, she murmured, "Now, can you tell me what happened?"

Harvey had wanted to shield her from the darker matters, but they were too closely entwined with Eloise's life. After some deliberation, he began, "Eloise, the chandelier falling at the theater wasn't an accident. I suspect it was sabotage. It was Ravenna."

Eloise sat up abruptly, her brown hair in disarray as she ran her slender fingers through it. Even in such a serious moment, Harvey found himself distracted by her allure.

Suppressing a grin, he teased her intelligence. "They say a woman becomes scatterbrained for three years during pregnancy, yet you seem sharper. Must be my genius leveling things out." After a chuckle, he returned to stroking her belly. Frustrated yet amused, Eloise protested, "We're discussing serious matters!" Harvey sobered, musing, "Ravenna must have bribed the electrician. Unfortunately, the man was found dead this evening. He was murdered during... sexual activities."

Despite her strength, Eloise shivered slightly at the thought. Her brow furrowed. "Ravenna's so light. It wouldn't be easy to deal with a man even when he's not paying attention. There must be something else at play."noveldrama

Harvey's gaze sharpened. Their thoughts aligned without a word spoken.

Before Eloise could continue, Harvey's phone buzzed. The detective's number flashed on the screen, and without excusing himself, he answered. A hushed voice on the line revealed, "The prosecutor's office has news. They found a drug in the man's system, which could be key to his death. Otherwise, it's unlikely that a woman could overpower a healthy adult male."

Harvey hung up and turned to Eloise, who was lost in contemplation. "What are you thinking about? Come back to earth," he teased, pinching her cheek playfully.

Eloise met his gaze, her voice calm. "I'm wondering if Max's car accident was also no accident. Could Ravenna have been involved?"

Harvey's eyes sharpened, but he remained silent.

Unable to withstand his intense gaze, Eloise spoke first, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're beautiful," Harvey confessed, his laughter soft and tender as he added, "You don't think I'll be jealous?"

Eloise leaned into his embrace, his palm naturally settling on her abdomen. In the snowy weather, their closeness was a cocoon of warmth and comfort. Eloise didn't need to think; she could leave everything to Harvey.

With a soft voice, she confided, "I'm carrying your child; what do you have to be jealous about?"

Harvey smiled faintly, resting his chin on her head. "When thinking about my past misdeeds, I can't help but worry you might leave me."

Eloise chuckled lightly.

As sleep began to claim her, she murmured, "Ms. Olea called this afternoon. Jeffrey's going in for a second surgery. Harvey, I'd like to visit him."

Harvey didn't object. Even if Jeffrey harbored feelings for Eloise, he had saved her life. Harvey wished to accompany Eloise, but she nestled into his neck and softly said, "No need to come with me. You're busy with so much. I'll have Natalia come with me, and there will be the bodyguards, anyway."

Eloise was an adult. Harvey couldn't keep her caged at home because of one accident. He agreed.

...

The next day, Eloise met with Ms. Olea to visit Jeffrey together.

Seeing Eloise in good spirits, Ms. Olea relaxed, sharing cheerfully, "Although Jeffrey's face is marred, Mr. Horigan has brought in a foreign specialist. He should recover at least 70 to 80 percent of his appearance."

Eloise remained silent, knowing that even with such a recovery, returning to his acting career would be a formidable challenge.

Ms. Olea gently patted Eloise's hand. "You know, his real ambition isn't to be an actor."

Eloise managed a strained smile.

Natalia pushed the hospital room door open for them, and as soon as she did, they saw Ravenna sitting inside. She was a social butterfly and managed to charm Jeffrey's mother. The two looked like they shared a deep connection as Aliza dabbed away her tears intermittently.

Ms. Olea frowned. Leaning close to Eloise, she whispered, "I don't trust her intentions!"

Of course, Eloise understood Ms. Olea's concern. Eloise was aware that Ravenna had anticipated her visit and was there to rattle her. Honestly, she didn't mind Ravenna mingling with the Velonas, but the woman was just too dangerous. Eloise dropped her gaze, an idea forming in her mind. She beckoned Ms. Olea closer, whispering her plan.

Upon hearing it, Ms. Olea burst into laughter and playfully scolded, "You always come up with the naughtiest ideas. No wonder you have Mr. Horigan wrapped around your finger."

Eloise offered only a slight smile.

Eloise's nonchalance made Ravenna lower her guard.

Yes, it was Ravenna who had caused all the trouble for Eloise and Jeffrey. So what? Eloise didn't know. And Jeffrey's mother was still naively sharing family secrets with her. Ravenna seemed to have gained Aliza's trust.

Aliza, a dignified lady in her own right, was uneasy nonetheless. Her son had saved Eloise but at the cost of his own handsome face.

The atmosphere was delicate as Eloise exchanged a few words with Aliza before turning to speak with Jeffrey. This was the first time they'd met since the incident, and his emotions were a complex mix of happiness and resentment for her

delayed visit.

The young man's heart harbored feelings for Eloise, and she had to tread carefully.

Natalia opened a lunch box, releasing a delightful aroma.

Eloise smiled, "You surely have enough fruit and supplements, but this is a beef

stew I made myself. The kids at home love it, especially Linda."

She spoke with warmth, affirming her role as a mother.

Aliza's mood seemed to brighten. "Eloise, that's so thoughtful of you."

Eloise stepped aside. "Auntie, why don't you feed Jeffrey?"

Aliza, worried about her son's lack of appetite, hurried over. Seeing him eat well,

she couldn't help but say, "This stew must be delicious. If only I had your cooking

skills, Jeffrey would put on weight in no time."

Eloise smiled, "I'll make it every day and have it delivered."

Aliza felt embarrassed by the offer, knowing it was too much to ask, especially

since Eloise was pregnant.

Eloise didn't insist.

She occasionally glanced at Jeffrey, who now wore bandages over his face, revealing only his eyes. He was also much quieter than usual. It was only when Eloise was about to leave that he whispered, "I have no regrets."

Eloise stood by the door, her heart heavy. Being loved without being able to reciprocate was a burden, especially when that love came from young Jeffrey, Max's nephew.

Finally, with a soft sigh, Eloise said, "I'll come to see you again in a few days."

As she left, Ravenna followed her out, but Ms. Olea stayed behind. With a flirtatious glint in her eye, she sat down by Jeffrey's bedside. "There, you've been waiting for her, and now you don't speak up? Let me give you some sisterly advice. Even if Eloise were to divorce, she wouldn't be with you. Think about her relationship with your uncle..."

Jeffrey knew this all too well. "I didn't mean it that way," he said softly. Aliza was grateful to Ms. Olea. "Having Eloise visit has eased my mind. Despite the generous compensation from Harvey, you know how Jeffrey's heart aches." She sighed softly, "Ms. Ravenna sure seems eager to help."

That was the heart of the matter.

Ms. Olea covered her mouth, giggling. "Ms. Ravenna is a catch! And she's single.

She was quite smitten with Jeffrey before; I think they might have a chance, age difference aside."

Aliza was stunned at the suggestion that Ravenna had pursued her son. She questioned Jeffrey, "Is this true?"

Remembering Ravenna's offer to "take care of him," Jeffrey remained silent. Aliza was furious, disposing of Ravenna's gifts and fuming, "And here I thought

she had some decency. After being with so many men, she even had the audacity to set her sights on Jeffrey!"

Jeffrey didn't like his mother associating with Ravenna, but under the circumstances, he couldn't voice his objection. Now, Ms. Olea's maneuver had effectively severed any friendship between the two women, which suited him just

fine.

"Thank you, Ms. Olea," he murmured.

"It was Eloise's idea," she said softly, straightening his blanket. "She cares for

you, but as a married woman, she can't keep visiting. Take care of yourself. Don't

let her kindness be in vain."

With a nod, Jeffrey watched as Ms. Olea left the room. Her allure was on full

display.

...

After leaving the hospital, Ms. Olea headed to a coffee shop where Eloise was already waiting. Ms. Olea sat down, took a cheerful sip of her coffee, and exclaimed, "I did just as you suggested, and now Jeffrey's mother can't stand Ravenna and intends to cut her off."

Eloise was unable to drink coffee during her pregnancy, so she stirred her milk with a serene smile. "Jeffrey's mother needed someone to talk to in her worry. It didn't matter whether or not Ravenna's personal life was clean, because no mother could tolerate the thought of Ravenna having designs on her son." Mrs. Olea sang praises of Eloise's intelligence. With a forced smile, Eloise nodded in acknowledgment. There were things Eloise could not share with Mrs. Olea, secrets she had to keep to herself.

Ravenna was possibly the shadow lurking behind, the one who had hurt her and Jeffrey. How could she let such a person stay close to Jeffrey.

Jeffrey was the one Eloise was determined to protect.

Her protection was discreet. She arranged for several bodyguards, dressed in

plain clothes, to stay within the hospital.

She had employed Harvey's people for the task. Of course, Harvey was too sharp not to notice. When he called to inquire, Eloise filled him in on the hospital situation. She expected a hint of jealousy, but he chuckled, "Everything under Ms. Laurent's command!"

Whenever he was too agreeable, Eloise sensed trouble brewing. True to her instincts, she felt the heat when he came home from work that day.

After tucking the children into bed and sorting out his work affairs, he turned his

attention to her.

Harvey was always dominant in bed, but that night, he held her close, teasingly

grazing her delicate cheek with his finger. "Ms. Laurent, tonight you call the shots."

"Harvey," Eloise thought, "was shameless!"

...

After they both reached the climax, Harvey continued to be tender with her,

nibbling gently at her soft neck, murmuring, "No man is free of jealousy! But Eloise, please don't make me very sad."

Eloise rested against his shoulder. Their recent brush with mortality had brought

them closer. Yet, there were still things he hadn't shared with her, and Eloise wasn't rushing him.

She traced his strong features with her slender fingers. Her voice was low. "Harvey, we've been together for so long, and you're still jealous?"

His dark eyes were inscrutable. And when her fingers brushed his lips, he playfully

bit her. "As long as I love you, I'll always be jealous!"