Tangled Temptations

Jeffrey recognized the woman immediately. Her name was Ravenna, a former flame of his uncle, Max.

He closed the car door behind him and approached. "What brings you my way, Ms. Ravenna?"

Ravenna's gaze lingered on his youthful, handsome face, and for a moment, she seemed to lose herself in memories, murmuring, "You look so much like him."

Jeffrey remained silent.

Eventually, they settled into a nearby café that was quiet and conducive to business discussions.

Ravenna had become more gaunt since he last saw her. Her skin was too dry to hold makeup, but she still tried to exude charm in front of the 24-year-old man, playfully flipping her hair with a smile. "You're just playing third fiddle over at Eloise's. Why not come work with me?"

Jeffrey just looked at her.

She pulled a contract out of her bag. "I can sign you for five years. The bare minimum I can offer is lead roles in two movies and two TV series, and that doesn't include variety shows. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty."

It was a generous offer for an up-and-comer, but Jeffrey wasn't desperate for fame. His slender fingers gently tapped the contract as he asked softly, "Ms. Ravenna, there aren't any... additional verbal agreements, are there?"

Ravenna's hand rested on the back of his. Jeffrey looked down, then raised his eyes to meet hers.

Ravenna was blunt. "Be my lover."

Jeffrey withdrew his hand, his gaze calm as he regarded Ravenna. "I appreciate the offer, Ms. Ravenna, but I'm afraid I'm not interested."

Ravenna, incensed and embarrassed, scoffed, "Do you have any idea how many would kill for this kind of opportunity?"

Jeffrey left without looking back. He didn't like being anyone's replacement, and it was clear Ravenna saw him as a younger version of his uncle.

Eloise also thought so, but Eloise looked at him with a kind of gentle nostalgia, as if cherishing the memories of youth. That's why Jeffrey felt protective of her.

Perhaps, his tender, unspoken crush would fade one day. He might marry and have children, but when he looked back, he would remember having adored someone so wonderful.

That would be a warm memory.

Behind him, Ravenna seethed. She'd been determined to make a splash in Peterborough, but her connections were limited. The only star she'd developed, Tiara, had defected to Eloise's camp, and now Jeffrey, too.

Fools, the lot of them. Would Eloise ever truly care for them? Not a chance!

...

On Christmas Eve, Eloise's latest film venture wrapped up production. The wrap

party was a lavish affair, with many celebrities in attendance.

Eloise had invited Brett, and of course, the Horigans were there, too.

Under the opulent chandeliers, Ms. Olea, though in her forties, was still stunning. Brett personally presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Below, young Daniel blinked up at his mother, Orlena. "Mommy, why is Daddy giving flowers to someone else?"

Orlena felt a twinge of jealousy. Even though Brett and Ms. Olea were history and she was married with kids, Brett made no effort to be discreet, that bastard.

Of course, she couldn't let Daniel see her upset. She gently patted her son's head. "Daddy and Ms. Olea are friends."

Daniel looked puzzled. "Are you and Daddy friends, too?"

Orlena was lost for words.

Just then, Brett came down from the stage. In public, he kept a distance from Orlena, like they were distant relatives. He glanced at Daniel. "Why'd you bring him?"

Orlena was dazzling that night in a hand-sewn diamond dress, outshining even the chandeliers, especially with the hint of décolletage that made Brett a tad possessive, subtly positioning himself to block her.

Oblivious to his darker thoughts, Orlena spoke softly, "He wanted to see you badly. He insisted on coming." Then her gaze shifted back to Ms. Olea.

Brett gave her a look. Later, he picked up Daniel and kissed him, his stubble brushing against the boy's soft cheek. Daniel smelled sweetly of milk, and Brett held him close, his heart softening. He thought how good it was they didn't live together. He'd be too soft for any big endeavors.

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

The little boy shyly kissed him back. They looked alike, father and son, though Brett had dyed his hair to mask the resemblance from the public eye.

With a performance on stage, Brett sat down holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances. He whispered to Orlena, "I'll take you two home later."

Orlena's eyes remained fixed on the stage. Brett knew she was jealous and chuckled. "Are you still getting jealous over old gossip? You're a mother now. Oh, and aren't you cold in that dress?"

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

Brett, due to his special status, didn't stay long. His main reason for coming was

to see Orlena. As he left, Daniel stared at him with puppy-dog eyes.

Brett's heart melted. He whispered something that made Daniel beam with happiness.

As the party wound down, Orlena left with Daniel. They headed to the underground parking, where a black SUV awaited, driven by Donny, with Brett in the back seat.

When Orlena approached, Donny quickly stepped out to open the door for them. "Mr. Brett's been waiting a while for you."

Orlena said softly, "Daniel wanted to see him."

Donny smiled, knowing better than to comment, and helped them into the car.

The SUV drove off and, unexpectedly, arrived at a tranquil villa neighborhood. Donny parked with a pleased tone. "Mr. Brett's new property."

Orlena glanced at Brett, who just picked up the little guy and stepped out. His silhouette was as upright and strong as it had been years ago, showing no signs of fatigue. She couldn't help but think he was the kind of man women fell for, status aside.

And now, with him buying property in Peterborough, his intentions were...

Orlena's heart raced. She followed him into the villa, which was decorated with a cozy touch that seemed at odds with the abode of a bachelor. The living room even had a rocking horse. At that moment, Daniel was perched atop the rocking horse, gently swaying back and forth.

Having shed his coat and clad only in a crisp white shirt, Brett squatted down to keep the little guy company, patting his son's head. "You like it, buddy?"noveldrama

Daniel tilted his small face upward. He knew he had a father, but he had always lived with his mom, and in public, he had to refer to him as "Grandpa." But kids were perceptive; they sensed when they were different from others.

Now, his dad had brought him here, to a big house, where his dad had even promised to get him a Labrador. This was different from before.

Daniel's face lit up with joy. "Daddy, I love it."

Brett patted his son's head again and muttered, "Silly boy."

The scene was enough to bring tears to one's eyes. Orlena looked down, unwilling to reveal her feelings, masking them as best she could.

Brett turned to look at her tenderly, then walked over and whispered, "Don't cry. You're a grown-up, aren't you?"

He pulled her over to the couch to sit down and then went to pour her a glass of milk.

Sitting beside her, he spoke softly, "I've got some great news I want to share with you."

Orlena teased, "Why don't you share it with Ms. Olea?"

Brett chuckled. He reached out and stroked her hair, just as he had with his son, and said in a soft voice, "Still jealous? Ms. Olea did me a few favors over the years. Supporting her event was part payback, part courtesy for Eloise."

Orlena was known for her stubbornness. "I didn't mean that."

Brett laughed and got down to business. "My project's a success. It's been applied

to the latest aeronautical technology, and next week, there'll be a launch. I've arranged for Donny to take you and Daniel to see it, okay?"

He had invested four years in this endeavor. He had let go of the girl he liked. To this day, his son still had to call him, "Grandpa." But soon, they'd be reunited.

At such a moment, he wanted the people he cared about most by his side. Just one look at them in the crowd would make all the years worthwhile. Then he would retire in triumph.

Brett had thought it through. Once

this was over, he would resign from all his duties. The Noland family had plenty of business to attend to.

Besides, he wasn't old. Starting over

in the business world wasn't too late. Most importantly, he wanted to offer Orlena a stable future.

He spoke with conviction. Orlena's heart fluttered. She remembered the diamond

ring.

Brett seemed to recall it, too, his voice growing husky. "You still have the ring, right? That's my wedding gift for you. It wasn't easy for me to save up, so spend it wisely. I kept it for when I proposed to you."

Orlena was moved, but pride was a woman's armor. She teased back, "I'll give it back to you. Keep it for someone else's proposal. After all, you're not short on admirers, and one less won't matter."

Her words were petulant yet laced with playfulness. A warm feeling surged in Brett's eyes. The girl from those days was back.

He longed to be close to her, but with his son there, he restrained himself and whispered, "Stay tonight. We don't have to sneak around anymore."

Orlena didn't immediately agree. They had been apart for years, and although there had been interludes, the hurt ran deep.

She was about to decline, but Daniel, overhearing, pleaded softly, "Mommy, I want

to stay." Orlena's lips trembled, and the little guy burrowed into her arms. She always felt she had hurt Daniel, so she doted on him and couldn't refuse his requests.

She didn't say it outright, but her intention was clear. She would stay. Brett didn't rush; instead, he went to the kitchen and made them a late-night snack. His cooking was delicious, and Orlena ate quietly, not saying much.

Brett played with Daniel, speaking gently, "You've become so quiet these past few years. Remember how you used to chatter away nonstop, calling my name endlessly?"

Orlena lowered her gaze. "People grow up."

Brett watched her in silence. He knew. She was doing well financially, had a good family background, and had plenty of choices, but he still desperately wanted her.

Children were oblivious to the undercurrents between adults.

As night fell, Daniel grew tired. Brett bathed him, dressed him in pajamas, and tucked him into the large bed, where he soon fell asleep.

Brett sat by the bed, his handsome face solemn as he gently caressed his son's

face for a long time. In his life, besides Orlena, the person he owed the most was his son.

After a while, he rose and left the room. He found Orlena in the guest room, standing by the bed, holding a robe as if deliberating.

Brett approached from behind, resting his hands on her shoulders, and

whispered, "Sleep in the master bedroom. We haven't slept together as a family yet." Orlena shook her head faintly, but Brett tightened his grip around her waist, his face resting against her slender shoulder, murmuring, "Orlena, I've waited so long for this. I owe you a lot. Give me a chance to make it up to you, will you?" Tears welled up in Orlena's eyes. She cried quietly, her sobs restrained. She had been abandoned by him time and again, and now he wanted her.

It was hard for Brett, too. He turned her around, wiped away her tears, and kissed

her forehead. "I won't do anything, just sleep next to our son."

Orlena had many questions, but in the end, she couldn't voice a single one.

Brett led her back to the master bedroom. He didn't touch her, and patiently

waited for her to finish her bath. Then, the three of them lay down together in one bed, with Daniel between them.

Brett reached across Daniel, holding Orlena's hand, and toying with her ring finger. She was beautifully made, with slender, elegant fingers.

Brett's voice was deep as he began to see her as a woman, not the naive girl she

once was. He shared many things with her, like matters about their future and Daniel's education.

Orlena felt like she was dreaming. No matter how tough she acted, she couldn't

deny she had been waiting for this day. Yet now that it was upon her, she felt unprepared. When Brett leaned over Daniel to kiss her, she closed her eyes slightly. Her slender neck tensed. Her voice trembled. "Brett, I'm scared."

She was scared that all of this was just a dream, scared to accept it all. It was as if

the endless waiting and disappointment had become familiar.

Brett felt a pang of sympathy, kissing her to provide comfort. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to take her completely. Whispering in her ear, he said, "Let's save it for our wedding night."

Eloise thought he was shameless. Their kid was already growing up so fast, what

wedding night were they even talking about? Yet, she bit her tongue and didn't voice her thoughts-no need to seem too eager.

She lay in his arms, and he brought up the matter of attending the ceremony again. "We'll see," she replied noncommittally. "I've got a pile of invitations lately." Brett kissed the corner of her mouth. "Try to make it, Orlena. I've been looking

forward to this day for a long time."

Still, she didn't give him a straight answer. She figured she'd play it cool a little longer. She didn't want to come off as cheap.

Brett wasn't upset, though. He

kissed her again, and eventually, his

hands became insistent, seeking her help with something, even with their child right there. She was both embarrassed and irritated, but in the end, she gave in to his desires. After he was satisfied, he held her

close and murmured, "Years ago, I never imagined I'd fall for a girl like you. I never even thought about getting hitched. Orlena, from now on, no more messy entanglements with other women. It's just you and me."

She listened quietly, her heart inevitably softening.

And in his arms, she fell asleep.

The next morning, Brett had left early, but not before he had made breakfast.

Daniel was thrilled, sneaking peeks at his mom while he ate. He thought she

looked so beautiful today; her skin was radiant, and her whole being seemed to

glow.

He had a hunch-Mom must really like Dad.