Tangled Temptations

Orlena could feel her little boy's excitement bubbling over.

Although Brett often found himself in Peterborough, the chances for father-son bonding were few and far between. Sometimes, they'd barely manage a quick hello, let alone sit down for a meal together. Guilt gnawed at her heart as she gently tousled her son's hair. Quietly she whispered, " Daniel, after the New Year's holiday, you're starting school."

Daniel, thrilled, gulped down an extra glass of milk. He declared in his sweet voice, "I'm gonna go to school with Luca and Linda."

Orlena hummed in response.

Outside, the driver was waiting in the car. He was one of Brett's trusted men. He was chuckling as he opened the car door for Orlena and Daniel. "Mr. Brett took the private jet back to Brockville first thing this morning and instructed me to ensure you and your son make it home safely."

Back to Brockville...

Orlena paused momentarily. The driver added, "Mr. Brett didn't have any business in Peterborough, he flew in just yesterday afternoon to see you, then rushed back."

Such words would stir any woman. Especially when the man in question was the one she'd loved for years, the one who prepared a home here for them.

Orlena hugged Daniel but said nothing.

Daniel sat quietly in his mother's embrace. Mom seemed happy, yet on the verge of tears.

...

The night at the Horigan Mansion was lively.

Harvey came over with his family for a casual dinner. As the car pulled in, Linda led the way, head held high, urging, "Luca, hurry up. Why are you dawdling like a little lady?"

Luca's cheeks blushed pink. Luca's face turned a slight shade of red. He looked at the little girl in front of him, her hair was a curly brown and she wore a beautiful dress. Having lost his mother early, Linda filled his entire world...

Behind them, Harvey carried Darrien, walking in step with Eloise.

Parker and Pauline were quite fond of Luca, and even prepared a children's room for him in Horigan Mansion, just like the other kids.

Dinner was a cheerful affair. After the meal, Parker summoned his son to the study to discuss serious matters.

Meanwhile, Pauline led the kids to bake some cookies.

With nothing else to do, Eloise wandered into Orlena's bedroom. Orlena was sitting at her vanity, lost in a daydream, fixated on something in her hand.

Eloise tiptoed over and gently snatched it away—it was an exquisitely feminine diamond ring. One look and she knew it was her uncle's doing. With a smile, she asked, "Are you two engaged?"

Orlena shook her head in a daze.

She was close to Eloise. They were almost like sisters, so she spilled the previous night's events, finally whispering, "Eloise, I love him. But the pain of those years is real, too. I can't just welcome him back with open arms now that he's successful and wants Daniel and me."

Eloise put the ring back. She wrapped her arms around Orlena, gently patting her shoulder. "Your brother and I just want you to be happy."

As for the decision, she thought Orlena already had her answer.

Just then, Harvey finished his business and came looking for Eloise. He saw his sister's teary eyes. Standing in the doorway, he lit a cigarette, took a drag, and asked in a muffled voice, "Crying over that old man again?"

"Harvey." Eloise bit her lip.

Harvey removed the cigarette, blew out the smoke, and chuckled. "How many times has he scolded me without you taking my side, huh?"

Eloise deflated instantly.

Not wanting to affect their marriage, Orlena quickly assured them she was fine.

Harvey gave her a deep look, then, with unexpected tenderness, said, "Alright, time to head home. The kids are going wild. Orlena, you and Daniel should stay here."

Orlena murmured a yes, watching them leave. When the house quieted down, she sat back down, gazing at the diamond ring in contemplation.

Her phone rang, breaking the stillness-a call from Brett.

Hesitant, Orlena answered. Brett's voice was quiet, slightly raspy, "Have you decided?"

Orlena sniffled. "Are you asking about the ceremony or living together? Brett, I haven't decided on either. Give me some time."

Brett laughed softly, his voice deep and hoarse. "You sound more grown-up. Orlena, I was too hasty, too eager to share the news. Daniel was there last night, and many things were left unsaid. Can we talk properly sometime?"

"No!" she replied with a nasal tone.

Brett knew she wanted to cry. He empathized—any woman of her caliber, abandoned and then waiting in the shadows for years, would struggle at such a time. He didn't press her; instead, he changed the subject.

Brett's voice was relaxed as he

shared, "Winter's here; the wisteria at the estate has shed, but it'll bloom again next year. Orlena, are you listening? Tracey brought me asta with plenty of coriander, despite knowing I hate it. She's become quite bossy, limiting my portions. She's been teasing that if I lose my looks, I won't be able to charm

young ladies.

"Tracey misses you, and Daniel too. She's made two pairs of cloth shoes for Daniel, I'll bring them over."

...noveldrama

Orlena sobbed quietly.

Those days spent in Brockville were the best times with Brett. Despite the tumultuous journey and despite being riddled with scars, looking back, it was still beautiful.

Hearing her cry, Brett soothed her gently, "Come over with Daniel. I'll take you to every eatery in Brockville, we'll shop, and then visit relatives. There are so many relatives, Daniel's hands will be sore from all the gifts."

Orlena cried harder. He always had a way of making her cry. The good and the bad, all brought to her by Brett. In the end, she didn't even say goodbye before hanging up the phone.

Brett stood there on the other side, holding his phone, lost in a sea of

melancholy: These past few years

had been a series of wounds

Orlena and for him, they were a litany of regrets. When he found out that she had gone through pregnancy and childbirth alone, it felt like his heart was shattering into a million pieces.

If he hadn't loved her so deeply, he thought he might never have fallen so hard.

Slowly, Brett set the phone down. He

moved to stand by the window,

where the chill of the evening breeze

It

brushed against his face. He owed a lifetime of debt to a woman. It was a feeling etched into his bones, unforgettable and haunting.