Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 203

A moment later, the sound of a car engine roared to life in the driveway, signaling that Harvey was leaving.

Eloise knew he was somewhat angry.

But she didn't dwell on it too much.

Since he was out, she took the opportunity to leave with Milo.

The entire day passed without a word exchanged between them.

On Saturday night, Eloise attended Veronica and Riley's wedding reception.

The reception was held at a five-star hotel with just four tables. Compared to Callum's lavish wedding not too long ago, this one seemed rather subdued. Additionally, Riley and Veronica didn't seem to be in high spirits.

Eloise offered her best wishes.

Veronica's voice shook as she hugged her.

Riley, standing next to his new bride, locked eyes with Eloise.

His gaze was complex. As a man, he understood too well what Eloise had given up. He felt grateful, yet guilty.

Eloise offered him a faint smile, nonchalant and serene.

Riley had always been a bit of a cynic.

But he felt he owed Eloise for the rest of his life, a debt he could never repay.

After exchanging a few polite words, Eloise took her seat. She scanned the room discreetly. Harvey was not there.

She let out a sigh of relief.

The atmosphere at the reception was tense, even during the traditional toasting. Yet, Riley held Veronica's hand throughout, supporting her forced smile.

After the reception, Eloise went to the restroom.

As she washed her hands, she thought about Riley and Veronica's intertwined fingers, and how Veronica would be happy. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Riley's voice behind her. "Eloise."

Eloise turned around.

Riley, dressed in a suit, was leaning against the restroom corridor, smoking. Seeing Eloise turn around, he put out his cigarette and thanked her sincerely.

Eloise didn't say much. "It's not easy being together. Take good care of Veronica."

Riley nodded.

He couldn't resist asking, "How are things with you and him?"

They both knew who he was referring to.

Eloise was taken aback, then she put on a faint smile and said, "We're doing okay. Riley, you don't need to worry about this. You just got married. Go enjoy your honeymoon."

Riley's emotions were mixed.

He was about to say something when Veronica suddenly appeared. She was standing on the other side of the corridor, her voice dull, "Riley, what were you saying?"

Riley was startled.

He quickly went to comfort her, "Just having a chat with Eloise."

Veronica gently pushed him away.

She had heard their conversation.

Were Eloise and Harvey together?

She wasn't stupid. She could suddenly divorced Gunner and she got to marry Riley. Someone with more influence than the Gunner family must have helped her out. She just never thought that person would be Harvey.

Veronica's eyes reddened, and she looked at Eloise, her lips trembling.

Eloise let out a soft sigh.

She told Riley, "You should step back for a moment. I need to talk to her alone."

Riley thought that it might be easier for women to communicate, so he agreed. As he left, he gently patted his wife's shoulder and said softly, "No matter what, don’t let it upset the baby."

If this were the past, Veronica would've been quick to anger.

But now she didn't have the energy to be angry or make a scene, because the baby in her womb was likely the result of some sacrifice Eloise made. She couldn't explain the feelings in her heart.

At that moment, she wanted to cry.

Eloise walked over to her and adjusted her wedding dress. "You look beautiful. A bride should look like a bride, no crying allowed. Veronica, I'm fine. I don't plan to get married anymore, so you don’t need to feel sorry for me."

Veronica still burst into tears.

She thought that Eloise and her could talk about anything, but she had never heard that Eloise didn't want to get married anymore.

Veronica sobbed, "I don't believe it."

He wanted to possess her, not just physically, but her heart and soul for the rest of their lives.

But Eloise said she didn't want to get married anymore.

Harvey had never experienced such pain before. It was a deep ache in his heart that he couldn't vent. Saying more would only lead to embarrassment.

He stared at her, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Finally, he took out a pack of cigarettes from the glove compartment. It was unopened. He skillfully opened it and lit one up.

As the smoke filled his lungs, the pain in his heart seemed to subside.

Harvey was getting addicted.

He smoked in the car without opening the windows. Soon, the car was filled with thick smoke.

Eloise couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Harvey!"

Their lips locked.

They had kissed many times before, but never with such intensity. Harvey, as if caught in a nightmare, seemed to want to devour her whole.

Eloise struggled to swallow and breathe.

Everywhere, she was surrounded by Harvey's scent.

She thought she might suffocate and die.

Harvey finally pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. With his eyes closed, his voice was laced with pain. "Eloise," he whispered, "how did we get here?"

Eloise didn't know what to say.

He didn't pressure her, simply held her while catching his breath.

Eloise knew he was hurting too. She whispered back, "Harvey, I don't hate you. Actually, there are some things I'm grateful for, but gratitude is not the same as love. I just don't want to force myself anymore."

Harvey listened quietly.

Her words were meant to be comforting, but they pierced his heart like daggers.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming unbearable, his phone rang. It was Parker.

Parker's voice was tense. "Harvey, you need to get to the East Estate ASAP. Grandma isn't doing well. It might be the last time to see her."