Tangled Temptations

Chapter 372

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.

trunk, he settled into the driver's seat and casually asked as he buckled his seatbelt, "You

face away, she finally whispered softly, "Harvey, I'm sure I like you. But I feel like

scrunched up with concern. "I don't want to cohabit with someone."

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

tears. Behind the hurt was the truth -

stroked her soft cheek, then pulled out a document from the car's glove compartment and placed

suspiciously, then read it. It was a deed transfer. The apartment was now in her name,

120 billion. All transferred

bit her lip softly, protesting in

reassured? Then why don't you take possession of my body as well, that

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

There he went again, talking about such things

pulled her hand toward him,

"Didn't you say I

seemed there was no fault in his logic. At 20, Eloise prematurely

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

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

her chin a playful

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

you."

to eat anything. I

at her with a hint of amusement in his dark

an unmistakable masculine

blushed. She wasn't doing

...

depths of the night, Harvey drove alone to a

The Peterborough Theatre.

arrangements, the doors to the theatre were

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

still in

his eyes and brought his hands

opened them again, there was a newfound clarity and a touch

in his gaze.

sat there from the darkness of night till the

College's dean. "Mr. Johnson, this is

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

words were

Harvey want with

anxiety. What did

has an anniversary celebration next week with quite a few performances. I have a

but Harvey's next words swept away any reluctance. "I'II

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

be a piano performance. I'll handle the stage design," Harvey suggested, and Mr.

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

bustled about the kitchen in an oversized T-shirt and a pale pink

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

flushed. "Who asks to be kept in

nuzzled her neck, his voice muffled

troubled, his kisses more

tried to reciprocate, embracing

voice husky. "Later, I'll take you

"I can take the bus