Tangled Temptations

Eloise wrapped her arms around his neck. Her embrace was charged with emotion yet punctuated by her tears.

"Harvey, are you really back?" she whispered, her voice breaking. "Do you remember everything about us-the good and the bad?"

Harvey's own eyes glistened. "Don't cry!" His voice was a tender rumble, comforting her as one would a child. "I'm back, Eloise. Completely back."

In their moment of bliss, there was an underlying ache. He held her fiercely, as if he'd just returned from war, and in the quiet of their embrace, her tears flowed silently onto his shoulder.

Pulling the blanket over them, Harvey held Eloise close, sheltering her from the cold night.

"It's like a dream," Eloise murmured, her voice a soft echo in the stillness. "A long, painful dream."noveldrama

"I'll never leave you again. I promise," Harvey vowed as he kissed her shoulder. His lips felt warm against her skin.

Perhaps he had anticipated her tears, and chose Christmas Eve to make his return—an evening that, despite its joy, brought her such sorrow.

They lay awake, not wanting to sleep nor to speak of things that might sour the mood. Instead, they reminisced only about the happy times.

"Do you remember our first Christmas together?" Harvey began, his tone light. "You were dating Callum. I followed you two like a madman and watched him kiss your forehead under the fireworks. I was so jealous."

Eloise remembered well. She stroked his strong jawline, her voice soft. "Didn't we agree not to talk about the past?"

Harvey captured her gaze, tracing her features with his fingertips as if memorizing her all over again. "Eloise, my wife," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I forgot you when we loved each other most. How did you endure those days?"

"Thank you for not giving up on me," he said sincerely.

Eloise circled her finger on his chest playfully. "I settled, Harvey. It wasn't about not giving up."

She added with a teasing tone, "You can be such a jerk!"

Stirred by her words, Harvey pinned her beneath him; he was as careful and tender as ever.

Without resistance, Eloise wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes were shining with clarity. "Even if I settled, I wouldn't want anyone else."

Their noses touched, and Harvey teased her with soft nuzzles and a flirtatious spark in his eyes. "Tell me, Eloise, during the days I couldn't remember, did I still take good care of you? Is that why you couldn't let go?"

Eloise was caught in his playful banter and blushed. She surrendered to the kiss, their connection deepening with each breath.

"Harvey, I can't say how much I love you, but no matter how much of a jerk you've been, I can't let go. I simply can't."

And with that realization, she understood the depth of her love-a love that could find hope even in despair.

Come morning, Eloise awoke to the scent of roses. Beside her pillow was a fresh white rose and a sparkling diamond bracelet—a gift that would make any woman's heart flutter, especially when given by the man she loved after a night of passion.

She attempted to fasten the bracelet, but struggled with the clasp. Harvey appeared in the doorway, impeccably dressed in a light grey shirt and dark trousers; his tie was knotted perfectly.

"Why didn't you let me help you with that?" Eloise asked softly.

Harvey leaned down and pinched her nose affectionately. "Times have changed, Eloise. I wouldn't dare ask you to do such things now."

After securing the bracelet on her wrist, he kissed her gently. "Thank you for last night," he whispered, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of love and mirth.

Eloise, flustered and playful, swatted at him with the rose. "Enough of that," she protested. "What's the plan for today?"

"We're heading up the mountain after breakfast," Harvey said, his tone becoming more serious.

Eloise fiddled with the bracelet. Her thoughts turned solemn. "To visit Master Lee?"

He nodded, embracing her. "Yes. Now that you and the kids are safe, it's time to fulfill my promise."

Eloise considered for a moment. "Harvey, there's something I'd like to offer too."

Anticipating his possible jealousy, she wrapped her arms around him and pleaded gently, "Please don't be upset. It's just gratitude, nothing more. No one compares to you, Harvey. I'm thankful because it's that very thing that kept me by your side, and allowed you to see me."

Harvey knew she was referring to the locket Max had given her. As a man, it bothered him that Max had a place in her heart, but logically, he knew Eloise was right to be grateful. That locket had saved her life.

"Alright," Harvey agreed softly. "We'll pick it up on our way home."

Eloise kissed him, her voice playful yet full of love. "Mr. Horigan, you're growing more generous by the day."

He wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning his forehead gently against hers. "Eloise, I'm not being magnanimous. I just want you to be at peace. What I need you to know is that it's not only Max and Jeffrey who would go to the ends of the earth for you. I would too. You are my precious gem, and I would give up everything to keep you safe."

Eloise hummed softly in response. She never doubted his affection.

After settling to have breakfast, the two returned to their villa to grab some items before heading to the hills.

Harvey drove only halfway up the hill before they got out of the car.

Eloise was expecting. So, Harvey walked beside her at a snail's pace, and it wasn't until they reached the summit that Eloise realized it wasn't just the two of them. The entire Horigan clan was there, from the elders to the kids, even distant relatives had shown up.

A sea of people, easily a hundred strong, stood in solidarity. The bigger the wish, the grander the fulfillment.

Eloise felt a twinge in her heart. She turned to her side, watching her husband in silent reverence.