Tangled Temptations

After she left, Brett spent the night in the apartment, lying in bed, surrounded by remnants of her existence. Bits and pieces, most of which he had bought for her.

Orlena wasn't the domestic type, and the bedroom was always in a state of disarray. Brett was the one who usually tidied up, even washing her delicate underwear if she happened to stain them during her cycle.

Her scent lingered on the pillow.

Sleep eluded Brett, so he sat on the couch, smoking.

He had his mobile in hand, thinking that if she called him, he would answer immediately. Even if they didn't exchange words, just hearing her voice would be comforting. But as the night passed, the ashtray filled with stubbed out cigarettes, but her call never came.

He knew then, it was over.

Why should a girl from a respectable family get tangled up with him?

At dawn, Donny, concerned, pushed open the door. He was immediately hit by a cloud of smoke. He couldn't help but chide, "Mr. Brett, you should look after your health. This smoking won't do you any good."

Brett looked at him, snuffed out the cigarette, and collapsed onto the couch. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "I need you to run an errand for me."

He knew Orlena lacked nothing. Yet, after all they had been through, he felt he owed her something. Money, in the end, held no meaning for him.

After Brett had given his instructions, Donny was left in surprise. Mr. Brett's love affair had indeed been earth-shattering. The things he was giving away were not just any ordinary parting gifts. It was as if he was emptying his pockets of his personal fortune.

Donny had no objections, and he immediately set off to make the arrangements. The next day, he met with Orlena at a quaint café.

Donny arrived first, dressed in a deep coffee-colored wool suit, quietly toying with a lighter, a stack of transfer documents beside him.

After about fifteen minutes, Orlena arrived and took a seat opposite him. "Does he have a message for me?"

Upon hearing her voice, Donny looked up, and his heart skipped a beat. In just over a month, she had lost a considerable amount of weight and looked visibly haggard.

He quickly rose to pull out a chair for her, conversing in a calm and gentle tone. But Orlena had noticed the stack of documents, and she asked directly, "Is this his compensation for me?"

Donny felt uncomfortable, and after a moment, he simply nodded.

Orlena took the documents and skimmed through a few pages. Then, she lightly stroked the papers with her slender fingers. Softly, she said, "Since our relationship was just a game, why make it so serious? I don't want any of this. Tell him, I won't hold him back."

After saying this, she seemed drained of energy. Even she herself seemed lost for a moment.

Brett...

She had called Brett's name for so long. He gave her so much and made her believe that they would be together forever. She thought she could always stay by his side, and he would always protect her.

But it wasn't to be! It was just another one of his fleeting romances.

Despite Donny's persuasion, she refused to accept anything.

When he reported back, Brett was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window of his hotel room, his back to Donny. He was silent for a long time before saying, "I understand."

After Donny left, Brett lowered his eyes to the diamond ring in his hand.

Of course, such an innocent girl. How could she accept any of that!

Brett never knew he could fall so deeply for someone. It was tolerable when he was working, but when he was idle, he dreamt of her all night, and he unconsciously looked back in crowds. Even when socializing with Mr. Moreno and others, he would always glance at the grand copper door, as if expecting his girl to walk in at any second.

Her eyes filled with tears, calling his name.

As time passed, he realized how hard it was to get over her.

About a week later, they met again. It was at a banquet in Peterborough, where they unexpectedly ran into each other.

Orlena had come with Harvey. She was wearing a pastel pink strapless gown, a diamond necklace around her neck, her raven hair cascading down her waist. She looked delicate and enchanting.

Brett was with Ms. Olea, and his body stiffened when he saw Orlena.

Ms. Olea was no fool. She knew very well that her relationship with Brett was casual. There were several women like her in Brett's life. Ever since he had encountered the youngest Miss Horigan backstage, he had stopped seeing her. It wasn't hard to guess what had happened.

Soon after, Donny delivered a check. She knew this was Brett's way of cutting ties completely, and he would probably not come to listen to her performances anymore.

As expected, she heard that Mr. Brett was no longer the party animal he used to be. She suspected he had found someone else and was keeping it well hidden.

She knew exactly who that person was. However, she didn't dare speak about it publicly because she couldn't afford to cross someone like Brett. Not until Brett reappeared at the Pearl Opera, did she feel a sense of joy.

She thought he was nostalgic, that things could go back to how they once were, but she was wrong. Brett only came to watch the performance, or to socialize with her. The intimacy they once shared was gone. In private, he was more chaste than a vestal virgin.

Ms. Olea realized she would never be his wife, but she was willing to remain friends with Brett. On one hand, he had never wronged her, and on the other, she needed his fame and connections.

At that moment, the man beside her was locked in a tearful gaze with the young Miss Horigan. Ms. Olea didn't know what had transpired between them, so she laughed lightly and whispered, "Mr. Brett, why does Orlena look like she's about to cry when she sees you?"

Brett ignored her, focusing solely on his girl.

Orlena glanced at him, then at Ms. Olea's hand on his arm, and forcefully turned her head away. She moved closer to her brother. Feeling wronged, her lips quivered as she leaned her head on her brother's shoulder.

Harvey looked down at her, his tone gentle as he asked, "Are you tired from standing?"

She hummed in response, then wrapped her arms around her brother's waist. They were very close siblings, their bond evident, and it made Brett's heart throb with jealousy. He never thought he would feel this way towards Harvey.

Ms. Olea glanced at him, feeling a bit triumphant. She sauntered over on purpose, charmingly greeting him, "Mr. Horigan, you and your sister really seem to get along. It's truly admirable."

Harvey was never one to be swayed by a woman's charms.

Ms. Olea was a beautiful woman, but there was a sense of flamboyance about

her that he didn't quite take to.

He was rather cold towards her, but Ms. Olea didn't seem to care, becoming even more enthusiastic She gazed at Orlena's fair and youthful face, suggesting, "I know a few young and talented men who would be perfect for Ms. Horigan. Maybe we could all grab a coffee someday?"

Brett happened to walk by just then. She took Brett's arm, asking warmly, "Don't you agree, Brett?"

Brett's eyes were fixed on Orlena. She returned his gaze, her eyes brimming with emotion.

After a while, Brett let out a soft chuckle, gently stating, "It's about time we start considering potential partners. Harvey, you should let your parents meet Orlena."

At this point, Harvey felt obliged to agree with Brett, his future in Brett's hands after all. So he nodded, and affectionately ruffled his sister's hair, saying, "You're not getting any younger. It's about time you started dating." Orlena's face turned as pale as a sheet. She glared at Brett, her teeth chattering with anger, but she held it in due to the public setting. Instead, she responded with

a radiant smile, "I'll consider your suggestion, Brett."

After saying this, she excused herself and left first. Brett watched her retreating figure, clenching his fist.

Ms. Olea,

with a flirtatious smile, suggested, "She seems upset. You should comfort her. You are always dragging me around with you, and it's making me anxious for you both. If you two do end up together, don't forget to gift me a generous check. I don't usually involve myself in such matters."

Brett brushed her off and walked away.

Orlena found a secluded balcony and quietly gazed at the river in the distance,

shimmering with vibrant colors that stretched endlessly. Unnoticed, her eyes welled up with tears.

Why was she here? She wanted to go home!

Footsteps sounded from behind her, followed by the sound of a door being

locked.

She knew who it was without turning around. She slowly looked back to see Brett

standing there. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her slender figure evoking

sympathy.

Brett softly called her name, "Orlena."noveldrama

Orlena's back pressed against the railing behind her. She gazed at him in a daze, whispering, "Don't come any closer! Brett...please, don't."