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.

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

softly, "Harvey, I'm sure I like you. But I feel like you're rushing me, and I don't want to move in

up with concern. "I don't

even though you've talked about the future, who can really tell what's going to happen? I don't want to be with

tears. Behind the hurt was

pulled out a document from the car's glove compartment and placed

was a deed transfer. The apartment

All transferred to

was stunned. She bit her lip softly, protesting in a whisper, "I

light, teasing, "Still not reassured? Then why don't you take possession of my body as well, that should set your

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

annoyed. There he went

him, urging her to

stubbornly looked up at him. Harvey tenderly caressed her head, saying, "Didn't you say I can

was no fault in his logic. At

bed between a man and a woman was a new territory for Eloise. Harvey, with his gentle

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

a playful squeeze.

sleep, and tell me if you crave

you."

anything. I need

with a hint of amusement in

unmistakable

blushed. She wasn't doing

...

night, Harvey

The Peterborough Theatre.

Denise's arrangements, the doors to the theatre were

The hall, now as bright as day, was empty and vast. His footsteps echoed on the wooden floor as he made

was still in

brought his hands together in a silent

them again, there was a newfound clarity and a touch

in his gaze.

from the darkness of night

to the Music College's dean.

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

his words

want

anxiety. What did

celebration next week with quite a few performances. I have a special request.

hesitated, but Harvey's next words swept away any reluctance.

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

the stage design," Harvey suggested, and Mr. Johnson agreed

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

in an oversized T-shirt and a pale pink apron, looking every bit the

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

to be kept in

voice muffled but firm. "I

his

to reciprocate, embracing him.

husky. "Later,

"I can take the bus or a