Tangled Temptations

In the dimly lit study, the only source of light was the pale glow of the computer screen, casting an enigmatic silhouette across Harvey's face. He fumbled for a cigarette and lit it, the ember briefly illuminating his features in the dark. He sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the screen.

Days before, anxiety had gnawed at him, but now, having grasped the crux of the situation, his heart was heavy with an emotion he had not anticipated.

Reluctance.

He couldn't bear the thought of leaving 20-year-old Eloise behind - not out of some fondness for youth, but because of the bond they shared. Even if it was just a dream, the thought of her remaining there. It pained him.

After smoking two cigarettes, Harvey was about to head back to his bedroom when Eloise appeared. She was wearing his shirt, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she mumbled, "Where's Veronica?"

"Riley picked her up," Harvey replied, beckoning Eloise over with a gesture.

Eloise approached with a shy step, her fondness for Harvey evident. He'd always managed to stop things from going too far, which had earned her trust. She settled into his embrace without protest.

Resting against him, she asked in a soft voice, "Why did Riley pick her up?"

Harvey gently stroked her hair as he smiled at the memory of her brown locks spread across his pillow. "Because Riley is going to be her husband in the future," he explained.

Veronica's future husband?

Eloise's slender fingers played with the buttons of his pajamas as she whispered, "How do you know about the future?"

Harvey caught her hand, and when she looked up, she was met with his deep, penetrating gaze. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

She tried to pull her hand back, but he wouldn't let her. Eloise rested her head on his shoulder, and her arms wrapped around his neck as she whispered, "Harvey, I get this feeling that you'll suddenly appear and just as suddenly leave."

At those words, Harvey's heart sank. He even toyed with the impossible idea of bringing the 20-year-old Eloise back with him, having two Eloises - one mature and womanly, the other young and fresh.

He couldn't afford to dwell on such thoughts. He kissed her forehead tenderly, murmuring, "We'll be together, Eloise. Trust me."

As she looked up, a ray of morning light snuck through the window, casting a soft glow on her youthful face. Her smooth skin and delicate features, framed by her brown hair, made her look even more stunning. Her bright eyes held an innocent curiosity reminiscent of a young animal.

"I believe you," she said, her voice trembling.

This romance had caught Eloise off guard like a sudden afternoon storm. She hadn't resisted it.

The familiar feeling she'd had when she first entered his apartment had made her surrender completely. It was as if destiny had brought Harvey into her life. Otherwise, why hadn't he encountered anyone else on campus that day?

Eloise always trusted her instincts. She wanted to be with Harvey, and she had thrown caution to the wind, ignoring the differences in their status and not even considering whether his parents would approve.

Her expression was vulnerable and tinged with a hint of hurt. Harvey wanted to keep her safe, to bring her back to reality with him. He didn't say much else. He just held her, speaking of his plans for them - like opening Encore Soundworks for her once she graduated. It would be in the best location in Peterborough. They would get married when she turned 24 and then start a family.

Harvey spoke at length until Eloise fell asleep in his arms against his neck. Looking down, he saw a tear glistening in the corner of her eye.

Silly girl, she had cried...

Harvey kissed her lips gently and carried her back to the bedroom.

...

Only a week remained until the school's anniversary celebration.

Harvey was fiercely protective of Eloise. He had even personally visited Angus, asking him to let Eloise stay with him temporarily, and took it upon himself to drive her to school.

Angus was initially reluctant, but after spending a night playing chess with Harvey at the Laurent family home, Angus finally gave in.

The following day, Michelle packed Eloise's things and handed her over to Harvey. Harvey carried the luggage downstairs. Eloise sat in the car, looking less than pleased.

After loading the trunk, he settled into the driver's seat and casually asked as he buckled his seatbelt, "You don't want to live with me?"

Eloise shifted uncomfortably. Turning her face away, she finally whispered softly, "Harvey, I'm sure I like you. But I feel like you're rushing me, and I don't want to move in together."

Her face scrunched up with concern. "I don't want to cohabit with someone." Harvey's gaze darkened.

She was drawn to his good looks, but she had to speak her mind. "Harvey, even though you've talked about the future, who can really tell what's going to happen? I don't want to be with you just for you to one day get tired of me, or to think some other girl is better suited for you. And then you will ask me to move out. I can't handle that."

With that, her eyes brimmed with tears. Behind the hurt was the truth - she really liked him.

Harvey gently stroked her soft cheek, then pulled out a document from the car's glove compartment and placed it in Eloise's hands.

She looked at it suspiciously, then read it. It was a deed transfer. The apartment was now in her name, the piano included. And all of Harvey's assets.

Over 120 billion. All transferred to her name.

Eloise was stunned. She bit her lip softly, protesting in a whisper, "I don't want these things."

Harvey figured she was scared. He kept it light, teasing, "Still not reassured? Then why don't you take possession of my body as well, that should set your mind at ease, right?"

He leaned forward, his forehead touching hers, whispering, "My body is real estate, but in your hands, it might become personal property. However, this particular item isn't marketable. It's been and will always be exclusively for your use."

Eloise was both embarrassed and annoyed. There he went again, talking about such things without any shame.

Harvey pulled her hand toward him, urging her to sign the papers.

Eloise stubbornly looked up at him. Harvey tenderly caressed her head, saying, "Didn't you say I can foresee the future? What's wrong with giving all this to my future wife?"

It seemed there was no fault in his logic. At 20, Eloise prematurely signed the contract, committing herself to Harvey.

Living together was a novel and thrilling adventure for both her and Harvey. At night, the inevitable intimacy that came with sharing a bed between a man and a woman was a new territory for Eloise. Harvey, with his gentle guidance, opened her eyes to experiences she had never known.

Afterward, Eloise hid in the bathroom, washing her hands obsessively for what seemed like an eternity. When she emerged, Harvey was already dressed. "You're heading out this late?" she asked, surprised.

Harvey, buckling his belt, gave her chin a playful squeeze. "Yeah, got to take care

of something. Go to sleep, and tell me if you crave something, I'll bring it back for

you."

"I don't want to eat anything. I need to watch my figure."

At that, Harvey looked at her with a hint of amusement in his dark eyes,

emanating an unmistakable masculine charm.

Eloise blushed. She wasn't doing it for him!

...

In the depths of the night, Harvey drove alone to a destination.

The Peterborough Theatre.

Thanks to Denise's arrangements, the doors to the theatre were open, and Harvey walked in with ease.

Inside, darkness enveloped him until he flicked on the lights. The hall, now as bright as day, was empty and vast. His footsteps echoed on the wooden floor as he made his way to a familiar seat in the front row. It was here where he had helplessly watched a chandelier fragment strike Eloise.

She was still in a coma.

Harvey closed his eyes and brought his hands together in a silent prayer. When

he opened them again, there was a newfound clarity and a touch of ruthlessness

in his gaze.

He sat there from the darkness of night till the dawn's light. In the morning, he

made a call to the Music College's dean. "Mr. Johnson, this is Harvey."noveldrama

Mr. Johnson perked up immediately. Grinning, he sat up in bed. "Harvey. What a pleasant surprise."

Though his words were cordial, his

fearsome Harvey want with him?

raced with anxiety. What did the

Harvey was straightforward. "I've heard your college has an anniversary celebration next week with quite a few performances. I have a special request. I would like my girlfriend to perform."

Mr. Johnson hesitated, but Harvey's next words swept away any reluctance. "I'II donate 20 million to sponsor the event."

Now, Mr. Johnson was more than willing. "Just a performance, huh? No need to talk money, Harvey, it spoils the mood."

"Let it be a piano performance. I'll handle the stage design," Harvey suggested, and Mr. Johnson agreed without a second thought.

After hanging up, Harvey left the theatre as morning light stretched his shadow long and thin. He had not returned for the night and expected Eloise to be upset. Her temper was not the best. But upon opening the door to their apartment, Harvey was greeted by the delightful aroma of his favorite dish - creamy pesto bake.

Eloise bustled about the kitchen in an oversized T-shirt and a pale pink apron, looking every bit the doting housewife.

A sense of calm washed over Harvey, and he couldn't resist wrapping his arms around her, whispering, "Didn't even think to call me? That's no way to keep a man in check, Eloise. As Mrs. Horigan, your first task should be to learn to keep me on a short leash...hm?"

Eloise flushed. "Who asks to be kept in check?"

Harvey nuzzled her neck, his voice muffled but firm. "I do."

Harvey was troubled, his kisses more desperate.

Eloise, still inexperienced, tried to reciprocate, embracing him. Eventually, he was

satisfied, his voice husky. "Later, I'll take you to school."

She softly declined, "I can take the bus or a cab."

Harvey's gaze darkened, and after a moment, he playfully slapped her backside.

"Feeling sorry for me?"

Eloise wouldn't admit it, but she couldn't deny it either.

She continued preparing food while Harvey went to shave. His razor scraped away the faint stubble. In the mirror, his handsome face was unchanged. But Harvey paused, a realization dawning on him. If he couldn't endure this for Eloise, he could be trapped in this dream forever, unable to return to reality.

A cold sweat broke out on his back. His hand slipped, and the razor nicked his chin. A thread of blood appeared.

When Harvey stepped out, he was composed, dressed in a dark blue shirt and charcoal trousers, looking every inch the mature gentleman.

Eloise couldn't help but steal glances at him. She carefully added pasta to his plate, inviting him to taste her cooking. Harvey was, of course, delighted. "Eloise, after we're married, I'll be the one cooking breakfast."

Eloise, upbeat, shot back, "So for the next four years, will it be me cooking for you?" Harvey didn't respond, instead leaning in for a kiss. Of course, it wasn't true. He wouldn't be able to stay by her side for those four years. He could only wait for her in the future, but by then, Eloise would be a mature woman, a mother of three.

Eloise didn't know all this; she was simply happy to be with him. Harvey was

handsome, came from a good family, and, most importantly, he understood her. She was comfortable with him.

After breakfast, Harvey drove Eloise to school. His car was ostentatious. At the school gates, Eloise refused to let him go any further, but even so, they attracted

a lot of attention.

"It's all your fault." she complained, biting her lip.

Harvey kissed her apologetically. "I'll switch cars tomorrow."

Eloise kissed him back on the chin before stepping out of the car. Watching her

walk away, Harvey finally understood who their daughter, Linda, resembled. She looked like him, but even more so, like the young Eloise.

He made a call. "Release the news. Say that the original piano solo was Ravenna's opportunity, but the school chose Eloise due to background influence.

And ensure Eloise has 24-hour protection."

...

That afternoon, Eloise ran into Ravenna. The news of the piano solo had spread throughout Music College. Everyone was watching Ravenna's humiliation. Bitterness gnawed at Ravenna. Eloise already had so much; why did she have to take this from Ravenna? The anniversary celebration was a crucial chance to be seen among Peterborough's elite. Ravenna wasn't ready to give up without a

fight.

She glared at Eloise's serene face and scoffed. "This isn't over yet. Don't get too cocky." Eloise didn't care much for the spotlight. While Ravenna craved the high society

life, Eloise had no need for it. Yet, if the school decided she should represent them, she wouldn't just hand the opportunity over without a fight.

With a casual smile, Eloise shrugged off the tension. That smile was like a thorn to Ravenna. "You must feel sorry for Veronica," Ravenna snapped coldly. "Eloise, you can't blame me for this. It's Veronica's own lack of talent that's the issue." Eloise just shook her head lightly. What Ravenna couldn't grasp was how Veronica could move on from her breakup with Gunner, still manage to date, and even find a decent guy. Meanwhile, Ravenna, who had let herself go, seemed

beyond redemption.

The calmer Eloise appeared, the more Ravenna seethed. She eventually approached Mr. Johnson.

He was in his early fifties, not a bad-looking man, but certainly on the older side. Ravenna was quite bold. In her mind, keeping him company for a shot at a good opportunity was a fair trade. Besides, she had heard enough rumors and knew his personal life was less than pristine. She was certain he'd fall for her charms.

But as she began to shed her clothes, Mr. Johnson gently pulled them back up,

with a look of moral integrity. "Miss Ravenna. We often talk about dedication to the arts, but this is not what we mean. It's a matter of spirit, not flesh." Ravenna was taken aback, her face souring.

Mr. Johnson continued with a tone of tough love. "I don't know where you got such

false information, but let me tell you, the school never intended to have you perform. It's just baseless rumors spread by someone with ill intent." Ravenna didn't believe him, and she still thought it was Eloise who had stolen her chance. She stormed out of Mr. Johnson's office and went to find Eloise.

Eloise was in the library, engrossed in a book. The silence around her was punctuated only by the presence of four bodyguards in black suits. They sat close to her, deterring anyone from approaching too casually.