Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 355

Eloise's heart skipped a beat.

Master Lee smiled warmly. "Life is a mix of illusion and reality, ever-changing and unpredictable. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. So why not live a life that's truly free and easy?"

Eloise, recognizing the depth of his wisdom, nodded earnestly in agreement.

Master Lee was particularly intrigued by Darrien, continuously patting his head affectionately for quite some time. The child didn't take after his parents, and was blessed with a life of fortune and wisdom.

...

On the drive back, Harvey glanced at his wife in the rearview mirror.

Darrien was strapped into his booster seat, laughing with a row of pearly white teeth as Eloise patiently read him a picture book.

Harvey checked the time and thought it was about right to pick up Linda. "How about we pick up Linda and grab some dinner at a restaurant?" he suggested.

They had been getting along well recently, and Eloise didn't want to dampen his spirits, so she agreed with a soft "Mhm” and added, “Let’s invite Luca too. I heard from Linda that things have been pretty rough at his place lately. It’s not good for a child’s development.” Her voice was gentle.

Harvey smiled faintly at her reflection. “If you really care that much, why not have him stay at our place? Linda would have some company, too."

Eloise was pleasantly surprised.

Harvey smoothly turned the steering wheel. "I see you're pretty fond of him."

Eloise didn't say yes or no. Such a matter wasn't just about the child's wishes; Mrs. White's feelings had to be considered as well. They couldn't just snatch someone else's son.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived at the daycare, they saw Luca with a tense little face, holding hands with a woman in her early thirties, reportedly his aunt.

The connection between the Horigan and White families was special.

Harvey and Eloise got out of the car and approached them. Luca's aunt had tears in her eyes as she spoke softly, "The boy's mother... she couldn't take it and... and now she's at the funeral home. Mr. Harvey, thank you for your care for Luca these past two years. I'm going to take him to live in Greenfield now. It's a small place, but it's not bad."

She prompted Luca to say goodbye. Luca, reeling from the loss of his mother, managed a forlorn, "Goodbye."

Linda was reluctant to let go. She clung to Luca's hand, then looked up at her father. Eloise, too, watched Harvey in silence.

Harvey crouched down and gently ruffled Luca's hair. "Your aunt just mentioned that she'd like you to come stay with us. Would you like that? We've got Linda and Darrien, and who knows, maybe a new brother or sister will join us soon. It'll be fun."

Luca's aunt was stunned. She hadn't expected Harvey and Eloise to offer to take in Luca. Though her heart ached to let him go, she knew that with her means, she could only ensure that Luca had enough to eat and wear. The Horigans, on the other hand, could afford him the finest education and opportunities.

She stayed quiet, letting the child decide.

Luca looked between Harvey and Eloise before finally asking in a small voice, "Would you ever get divorced?"

Harvey stroked his head. In a soft and gentle tone, he replied, "If she ever gets mad, I'll just take you and Darrien to crash on the couch. So let's try not to make her mad, okay?"

Luca, his voice breaking with emotion, agreed.

His aunt began to cry. Over and over, she thanked Mr. Harvey, "You're such a good man."

Harvey just smiled modestly. He wasn't trying to be a hero. He was doing it because both Eloise and Linda had taken a liking to Luca.

After sorting out the formalities, Luca inherited a fortune. Harvey set up a trust for him and then brought the little guy home.

Luca's father didn't dare utter a peep.

Back at the mansion, the children's room was still being tidied up. Linda took Luca to her bedroom, holding him tightly like a cherished doll, and they slept together for several nights until he felt at home.

When Luca settled in, the family went out to eat together. With three kids in the house now, Harvey thought they might have another one soon, so he went ahead and bought a new, spacious car that could comfortably fit all the children.

Eloise suggested having a potluck-style dinner.

But Harvey found it unsafe and, steering the car, said in a calm voice, "Let's go to that French bistro of yours. You haven't been there in a while."

Eloise knew what he was up to. He just wanted to watch her play the piano.

In a low voice, she suggested, "Why not save that for a night out alone?"

Harvey playfully retorted, "Mrs. Horigan, waiting for a date with you might mean waiting until next Valentine’s Day.”

Mimicking her hushed tone, he added, “I can’t wait.”

In the end, they went to the French bistro. It was bustling on the weekend. Linda was with Luca, Harvey was carrying Darrien, and Eloise walked in with her hands-free, securing a prime table and ordering the meals.

When she looked up, she caught a glimpse of Harvey shedding his coat, looking youthful and dashing in his light grey McQueen sweater.

Harvey whispered, "Looks like we're going to have to get used to dating with a few kids in tow from now on. Better get used to it."

Eloise stared at him, and a sudden wave of sympathy washed over her. He'd lost five years of memories, transforming from a diamond bachelor to a father of three. Perhaps it was best if she didn't get pregnant again.

Though Eloise had two children, she maintained herself well. As she sat at the piano, hHer profile was exquisite, and her gown was romantic. She appeared no more than twenty-six.

She played just three pieces before planning to return to her seat. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of someone familiar, Jeffrey.

The young man sat alone at a premium spot, a bottle of the bistro's finest red in front of him, and a single white rose in a vase on the table—a personal request, no doubt. Under the soft lighting, his profile bore an uncanny resemblance to Max in his younger days.

Eloise hesitated for a moment before offering a slight smile. "Dining alone tonight?"

Jeffrey stood and invited her to sit.

Eloise didn't mind chatting for a few minutes, so she asked the waiter for a glass of water.

Jeffrey's gaze was gentle as he said, "A long time ago, an elder spoke of you..."

Eloise was surprised. Just as she was about to inquire further, it clicked.

That elder had to be Max!

At a loss for words, Eloise simply sat, contemplating the unexpected turns of life. She never expected that Jeffrey and Max were related by blood. No wonder they both carried the surname Velona, no wonder there was a striking resemblance... She felt a tinge of melancholy.

Jeffrey watched her silently. What he didn't tell her was that when Max reminisced about the past, his curiosity led him here, to watch her play the piano. The first time he laid eyes on Eloise, he knew why his uncle couldn't forget her...

After that, he visited many times, but Eloise never noticed him. Later, he ventured into show business, appearing films, including hers. At 24, Jeffrey's admiration for Eloise remained unspoken.

Eloise had only stayed briefly, and when she left, her complexion was pale.

Harvey noticed, too. He pushed a slice of cheesecake towards Eloise, saying gently, "What were you two chatting about? You seemed to get along well."

Eloise lowered her gaze. "Harvey, you trust me, don't you?"

He hummed softly, then held her hand. "Wear it whenever you leave the house."

Her heart felt a warm flush. After everything they'd been through since his amnesia and knowing he would never remember, she thought she'd never see this day. But Harvey, in this moment, felt so tender.

She turned and hugged him lightly around the waist. "Harvey."

That word was laden with deep emotion, unmistakable to him. At such times, there was something else they should be doing, especially when he was willing and able. Yet, he wanted nothing more than to hold her, to kiss her head as if she were the most precious treasure in his life.

Eloise initiated their passion. They had just had sex, and their bodies were soft and readily stirred.

The walk-in closet became a canvas of unbounded passion.

...

Eloise occasionally visited the set. As the final scenes approached, some were crucial, and she decided to watch.

Today, an interior scene was being shot. Ms. Olea, dressed in a opera costume, had just finished a scene and was heading to her dressing room when she spotted Eloise. She approached with a smile. "Eloise, what brings you here?"

Eloise had just reviewed some footage with the director. Ms. Olea's performance was indeed impressive. Eloise was quite satisfied with the dialogue and performance.

Ms. Olea's eyes shimmered with allure. "This is what I do for a living, so naturally, it comes easier to me than to others."

As they spoke, Jeffrey approached from the other side. He greeted Eloise with respect, "Ms. Laurent."

Eloise didn't want others to know about their delicate connection and simply nodded, then followed Ms. Olea backstage to the dressing room.

Ms. Olea was as shrewd as they came. She poured a cup of coffee for Eloise, who sipped it gently as Ms. Olea glanced out the window with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "You know, that guy is quite a catch. I've heard there are plenty of ladies on the set chasing after him, but he keeps to himself, clean as a whistle."

Eloise had heard some whispers these past few days. She just smiled in response.

With a playful squint, Ms. Olea teased, "Hey, he seems to really like you. His eyes were practically glued to you all night. If you're not interested, I might just make my move."

Eloise cut her off. "He's only 24. Aren't you a bit... seasoned for that?"

Ms. Olea touched her forehead and let out a refined chuckle. After all, she was 42.

Eloise had watched a few scenes on set, one of which was between Jeffrey and Ms. Olea. His performance was solid, surprisingly good for someone without formal training.

Timing her exit, Eloise left the set just before the wrap-up.

As she walked out, Jeffrey seemed momentarily distracted. Ms. Olea, usually so composed, bumped into him and said with a sly smile, "Are you dreaming about Ms. Laurent? Forget it... Or maybe... I could keep you company tonight for a game or two?"

Jeffrey's cheeks flushed with color.

Ms. Olea covered her mouth and giggled. "Just kidding. Eloise wouldn't approve." She could tell that Eloise looked out for Jeffrey, perhaps out of respect for a past love lost too soon, or maybe because of Jeffrey's genuine nature.

Jeffrey's heart raced from Ms. Olea’s teasing.

Jeffrey left the studio after taking off his makeup, only to find a sleek red sports car in the parking lot. As he approached, a slim woman with long, straight black hair stepped out.

The woman approached him with an almost infatuated gaze. In a soft voice, she said, "I'd like to talk to you."