Tangled Temptations

Chapter 383

Harvey gently tapped her hand. In a soft voice, he said, "I made a promise that day, and now it's time to fulfill it."

Eloise was at a loss for words for a moment.

Just then, Parker walked over. He said to his son, "We can begin now!"

Harvey guided Eloise to sit aside as he followed Parker. The Horigan family, a motley crew of men and women, young and old, gathered densely, kneeling and bowing in threes in the direction of the officiant.

Harvey reverently honored the Horigan family legacy with great solemnity. The amulet Max had given Eloise was also offered.

Master Lee, with his own hands, placed it in front of the ancient sanctuary lamp, watching silently for a moment before murmuring, "If his spirit lingers in this world, it should now rest in peace."

Harvey brought his hands together in prayer. At that moment, he felt no envy towards Max, only a sincere well-wishing.

...

When it all ended, it was four in the afternoon. Harvey took Eloise to meet with Master Lee alone.

In the austere meditation chamber, Master Lee's eyes shone with wisdom as he gazed at Eloise and her slightly swollen belly. "Very good," he noted.

Eloise offered a slight smile.

In private, Master Lee was quite approachable and spoke casually. With a smile, he said, "I've seen much of the world, yet seldom have I seen a man as devoted as Mr. Horigan. Perhaps he touched the heavens that night."

Master Lee didn't say much more, and only offered them tea. A young apprentice served the tea.

Harvey took a sip and found it pleasant.

Master Lee sat cross-legged, looking out through the paper-paned windows at the sunset hanging over the mountains. "The sun sets behind the mountains, and dusk is just as beautiful," he remarked.

Harvey concurred.

Lee smiled faintly and gestured. "Mr. Horigan, please

her feet. He bowed slightly. "Thank you for

Master Lee said nothing.

it wasn't right to speak further, Harvey left with Eloise. As they exited, the sunset set the sky aflame with reds

Master Lee remained still, his face the

apprentice stayed prostrate, weeping softly. "Master, why did

Lee said

the apprentice remained, still

have my worldly attachments, and it's only fitting that I face the consequences. You know, seeing Mr. Horigan is

He wasn't really

temple tolled. Its sound resonated deeply and far, signaling the passing of an

Horigan family, on their way down the mountain, heard

guessing the

relayed Master Lee's final words. "Master Lee said he was grateful to you,

were taken

...

home, their hearts were still

to his study to smoke. Eloise knew Harvey was upset, prepared

his hand. Harvey looked up slowly, watching her as he spoke softly, "Master Lee

him in her embrace. He was rarely so vulnerable and unaccustomed to showing weakness in

she whispered, "I guess Master Lee had an unresolved issue, pent up for years. He was in

up slightly. "I bet when he was young, he had a girl

you are! But isn't the meaning of our lives to live them well? Otherwise, aren't we betraying his

you were so comforting, Eloise. I

hardly eaten all day. And

it wasn't sore but Eloise knew better.

terrible, causing you to give up being a pianist. Now my leg's a mess, consider it my repayment