Tangled Temptations

Exiting the clinic, Harvey climbed into the car. A dull throb was still pulsating in his head. He leaned back into the seat, gently massaging his forehead.

Denise offered him a bottle of pain relief balm, applying it to his aching temple with a concerned expression. "Mr. Horigan, maybe we should see a neurologist. This hypnosis thing doesn't seem to be working."

Harvey paused at her suggestion, murmuring, "I felt like all these memories were surfacing, but it's like they disappeared when I woke up, just like a drunken blackout."

It wasn't the hypnotist's fault; it was his own damaged nerves that were to blame. He gently pushed away Denise's hand. His handsome face was clouded with disappointment. He could live with regret, but he wanted his wife, Eloise, to be truly happy.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Eloise. Her voice was soft. "Harvey, are you still out?"

Suddenly, his headache seemed to disappear. Harvey sat up straight. His voice was husky. "What's up, honey?"

Eloise chuckled lightly. "I suddenly feel like making spinach and feta cheese pies. Do you want some? I can bring them to your office for lunch."

Harvey's heart skipped a beat. After a long pause, he managed to reply, "I'll be waiting."

After hanging up, he couldn't help but reflect on their marriage. It might not be perfect, but it wasn't that bad either. He loved her, and she was trying to get close to him, cherishing him in her own way. Wasn't that enough?

By noon, Mr. Horigan was cuddling with his wife in their cozy small bedroom. Her soft scent was mingling with his masculine smell, which was slowly infiltrating every corner of her life.

Eloise asked him a question, "How much do you think we should donate for the homecoming?"

Donations were a requisite part of any school anniversary. With so many eyes watching, she thought a donation of 5 million dollars would be appropriate. It was enough to be impressive without being ostentatious.

He agreed, murmuring his approval against her waist, "Sounds good to me."

The joint anniversary of two universities was a hot topic in their town of Peterborough, attracting a lot of attention.

Eloise looked stunning that morning. She was dressed in a red silk blouse and a sequin skirt. She wore a simple pair of pearl earrings and a designer watch, which was a matching pair to the one Harvey wore.

Harvey was enjoying his breakfast and browsing through the financial report when he noticed Eloise. His eyes softened, but a hint of dissatisfaction crossed his face. "Eloise, you're dressed even more formally than the day we renewed our vows."

Eloise simply smiled, checking her expensive watch.

This watch was a high-end custom luxury from an international brand, costing more than 20 million. It's a pair with the one on Harvey's wrist, but his was simpler.

Eloise said, "This is already quite low-key! I'm sure someone will be wearing fur coats today."

Harvey didn't quite believe it.

Isn't it 26 degrees today? Wearing fur coats could result in a heat stroke, requiring an ambulance, right?

It was only after they arrived at the music school that Harvey realized what Eloise meant. Indeed, someone was wearing fur coats.

Ravenna, the newcomer in Peterborough's circle of wealthy ladies. She wore a black strap dress, with a green fur coat outside, plus a set of jewelry. She greeted Harvey flirtatiously, "Attorney Horigan, long time no see!"

Her husband was a wealthy guy dealing coal business, but he was in his 50s and couldn't satisfy her needs. She saw Harvey as a potential partner.

Harvey simply smiled and nodded in response. Ravenna took this as encouragement and grew bolder, hoping to lure him away from Eloise.

However, Eloise wasn't fazed by Ravenna's attempts. She knew that Harvey would never fall for someone like her.

Veronica, their long-time friend, arrived with her second husband, Riley. They looked very happy together, much to the disappointment of Gunner, who had secretly hoped their marriage would fail.

As the event continued, Riley expressed a desire to discuss a business project with Harvey, leaving Veronica and Eloise to chat.noveldrama

Veronica didn't pry. She was content with her life with Riley, even though his business wasn't as successful as it used to be. She had never asked Eloise for any favors, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. She was content with what she had.

Veronica had something to discuss with Eloise. She pulled Eloise into the restroom for a private chat. "Eloise, you need to be on your toes! I saw Ravenna chatting up Harvey from a mile away, and I didn't feel right. We can't underestimate this woman's destructive power."

...

Veronica was a woman too. She feared that Harvey might not be able to resist temptation.

Eloise blinked slowly. She shut off the faucet, and calmly said, "There's always a man out there for Ravenna."

Veronica was taken aback. She then studied Eloise, noticing a newfound serenity in her eyes. It reminded her of the time when Monika was around. At that time, Eloise exhibited such quiet determination.

Veronica then understood. Eloise was gearing up to confront Ravenna.

Eloise was the first to leave the restroom. As Veronica watched her retreating figure, she couldn't help but think how intriguing it would be if Eloise and Harvey were to clash. What a sight that would be, but unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to witness it.