Tangled Temptations

Eloise gazed intently at Ravenna, her eyes piercing through the facade of her rival's poised exterior. Ravenna's expression betrayed her inner turmoil, revealing a truth that needed no evidence to support it.

Without the need for confrontation, Eloise's voice was calm yet laden with conviction as she declared, "Ravenna, the truth is, from the beginning to the end, you never loved him. You've only ever loved yourself."

For Ravenna, Max had always been an elusive prize, a toy just beyond her grasp -a symbol of a desire never to be fulfilled. Their love-if it could even be called that was twisted from the start.

With those final words, Eloise turned on her heel and walked away, her steps slow and measured. Natalia offered a comforting arm as they made their way out. Eloise's silhouette exuded poise and tranquility.

Ravenna's face twisted with envy. Eloise had it all – power, wealth, and a string of men who adored her. If it hadn't been for Jeffrey's intervention that day, Eloise would not have survived, and Ravenna's path would have been clear.

At Everest Technologies, Harvey sifted through a backlog of paperwork before standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, coffee in hand. He took in the view outside. The sky was turning pale with signs of impending snow.

Denise approached him softly. "Eloise visited the cemetery, but she's back at the hospital now."

Harvey's grip tightened around his coffee cup, but he said nothing. Snowflakes began to drift outside the window.

Christmas was around the corner, a time for family gatherings and warmth. Yet, after all the trials and that haunting dream, he knew Eloise's heart must've been wrestling with a multitude of emotions. Harvey understood that complexity all too well. But there were things she didn't know-good news, like the return of his long-forgotten memories...

The next day, Eloise wa

scharged from the hospital. The Hor

family had

planned a lavish banquet in her honor, but considering her pregnancy, they settled for a cozy celebration at home.

Downstairs, the aroma of a succulent lamb stew wafted through the air, drawing the children to the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation. Harvey instructed them to take their seats and went upstairs to call Eloise for dinner.

In the warm, comfortable living room upstairs, Eloise lounged on the couch, absorbed in a parenting book. Harvey stood at the doorway, silently watching her. She wore a soft pink sweater over a floral dress. Her pregnancy was barely noticeable, and her femininity was accentuated.

They had shared intimate moments in the hospital, but nothing compared to the privacy of their home.

Harvey approached, unable to help himself, as he bent down and kissed the tender spot behind her ear, teasing, "Why are you still reading these after having two kids? Come on, Eloise."

She responded with a natural kiss. After a lengthy embrace, she whispered, "I thought you might want to read up, too. Can't have me doing all the hard work."

Harvey's thoughts drifted to the past. The explosion at their villa on the morning he insisted on leaving for Britain, the birth of Darrien amidst the turmoil with Monika... Looking back, he felt a profound ache for Eloise.

Sitting beside her now, he pressed his forehead to hers. "I'll take good care of you and the baby, Eloise. You can count on that."

Eloise looked up, her eyelashes quivering ever so slightly. Did he remember everything now?

Without answering, Harvey simply held her close, pulling out a small object from his pocket and placing it in her hand. "Keep this safe," he murmured.

It was the locket, pieced together. The very one Max had given her, the one that had saved her life.

Eloise caressed it lightly. "When did you Horigan?"

so magnanimous, Attorney

Her use of 'Attorney Horigan' indicated she remembered their shared dream. Harvey gazed at her and smiled softly. "Tell me, when have I ever been anything but?"

Eloise smiled lightly.

Taking in her calm and composed appearance, Harvey's heart inexplicably stirred. He was sure he loved her, but after regaining his memory, the feeling was different.

The good days he spent with Eloise weren't record in the diary and unknown to the outsiders. Only the two of them knew those private things.

Harvey rested his chin on Eloise's shoulder and said in a low voice, "Shall we go out for Christmas?"

Eloise took a box and put things in order. She casually asked, "Where are you planning to spend it?"

"The apartment."

Eloise's face blushed slightly. After all, in that dream, they had made love in the apartment several times. Now that he mentioned it, he must have thought about it. Eloise held the box. She turned her head to kiss him, then touched his handsome face, and hummed.

Harvey was somewhat comparative, and he asked softly with Eloise in his arms, "Eloise, in your heart, am I better than Max?"

They had three children, but he's still cautious.

Men care about themselves, and women can always feel it. Eloise also enjoyed this feeling.

As they descended the stairs, Eloise asked with concern, "Your leg is alright, isn't it?"

Harvey lifted her effortlessly. "Would you like me to carry you downstairs? No problem at all."

She playfully protested, aware of her parents' presence. "Put me down! Your Mom and Dad are watching."

"I won't. We're lawfully wed," Harvey murmured before planting a kiss on her lips, his gaze burning with affection.

Downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Horigan didn't bat an eye, accustomed as they were to their son's displays of affection. However, another guest had just arrived—Brett, still dusted with snowflakes. He was greeted with the sight of this romantic scene and couldn't help but scoff, "Ha, Harvey sure has learned to play the romance card in his old age!"

Unbeknownst to the others, Harvey's memories had returned, and that old familiar spark was back. Holding Eloise in his arms, he settled her into a chair and calmly jested, "I'm only 35!"

Brett, with his cultured demeanor, looked slightly uncomfortable. He glanced at Harvey, who seemed to be hinting at a deeper memory. Brett didn't reveal anything, though. After all, it wasn't his place to comment on the couple's intimate moments.

Brett slid into the seat next to Orlena, his voice a low murmur. "Been runnin' around like a headless chicken lately. I snagged half a day to come and see you, but I've got a plane to catch soon."

If the flight was a no-go, he'd be stuck hitting the road back home.

Orlena just sat there, silent. Months ago, when he'd prepared their nest, she felt like the dark days were over, and she was almost ready to say 'yes' to his proposal. But his endless stream of work kept coming And in her ceaseless waiting, she had let her trust erode.

Brett knew it deep down. but with the crowd around, it wasn't the place to say much.

The family dinner was alive with chatter. When Harvey tenderly dished out some lasagna for Eloise, Brett felt a pang of envy. He longed for a complete home like theirs, enduring through thick and thin, and always together.

And he, for one, wished he could just throw caution to the wind. A sense of isolation enveloped Brett.

Daniel forked a piece of roasted chicken onto Brett's plate. "Eat up, Dad."

Brett's heart softened as he touched his son's head and glanced over at Orlena.

Orlena pretended not to notice. She had a commercial shoot lined up after dinner; her assistant was already waiting in the car.

When she was in the bathroom, Brett cornered her. He faced her in the mirror. His voice was slightly hoarse as he asked, "Can't you move your schedule? We rarely get a chance to meet."

Orlena touched up her lipstick and gave him a light push. "I'm gonna be late!"

Brett stood his ground. With one arm, he encircled her slender waist and locked the bathroom door.

Orlena couldn't push him away. She leaned against the wall, her head tilted back, her expression distant.

In a soft voice, she said, "Brett, there's always something with you. I bet you don't even remember our son's birthday! I know my work.

Ou

seem trivial to you, so I should just drop everything when you show up. Do you have any idea how many people I would have to notify? How many favors would I owe?" noveldrama

"Brett, you just don't care!"

"You never consider how I feel..."

The disappointment was too much. She let it all out. She had come to a realization; instead of waiting for Brett, she needed to enrich herself. Little Daniel needed a role model.

Brett's gaze was intense. He couldn't defend himself, and he could see that

Orlena, who used to cling to him had grown up. Yet, he wished she'd stayed innocent forever.

Orlena was saddened; she didn't want to argue. In a low murmur, she said, "I have to go. What time are you leaving? If you have time, spend it with Daniel. He should be in preschool by now. You don't know how much he envies Linda and Luca."

Brett heard this and his heart ached.

Still, he didn't let her go, holding her shoulder with one hand while lighting a

cigarette with the other. He only smoked half before snuffing it out and leaning in to kiss her.

Brett kissed her deeply, but did nothing more, just fiercely claiming her lips until her whole being was filled with his presence.

Orlena resisted at first, but eventually, her body softened. Tears filled her eyes.

Brett released her, still touching his forehead to hers, and tenderly straightening her dress. He had let her down and made her suffer enough.

He had to finish his project by year's end, but he didn't have the courage to make any more promises, fearing to disappoint her again. After a while, he whispered, "Don't let Daniel see you sad; he might think I've hurt you."

Orlena, feeling wronged, thumped a few times on his shoulder.

She pushed the door open and left. Brett followed out, watching as she got into

the car, where not only her assistant but also a young guy, probably from the studio, waited.

Brett watched silently. The car drove away.

Brett walked back into the mansion, finding only Harvey sitting on the couch. He

sat opposite Harvey and asked quietly, "Do you remember yet?"