Tangled Temptations

Chapter 387

Eloise hung up the phone with an abrupt click and turned her attention back to Orlena, who sat beside her. A storm of silent questions brewed behind Orlena

hesitant eyes.

The thing was, Eloise was a year younger than Orlena, and yet, Orlena felt a certain restraint around her. Despite being, in a convoluted way, Eloise's aunt through her relationship with Brett, Orlena just couldn't muster the courage to probe deeper.

Irritated with her own timidity, Orlena followed Eloise out to the charming backyard garden, which Harvey had lovingly adorned with a sea of white roses.

"Harvey's got a romantic streak, huh?" Orlena mumbled to herself.

With practiced ease, Eloise snipped a few rose stems and artfully arranged them into bouquets, her movements a dance of grace and precision. "These blooms are more than enough for me to handle," Eloise said nonchalantly, clipping another

rose.

The penny dropped for Orlena. Eloise adored roses, sure, but only those that came from Harvey. A pang of envy struck Orlena as she watched Eloise's effortless artistry.

Eloise caught Orlena's dazed expression and let out a soft chuckle. "Daydreaming about Uncle Brett?"

Orlena's cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

Eloise pondered for a moment before saying, "I heard Uncle Brett's thinking of taking you and Daniel to Brockville for Christmas. What's your take on that?"

Orlena had always trusted Eloise implicitly. Despite Brett being Eloise's uncle, Orlena shared everything with her, clinging to Eloise like a little girl seeking comfort. Her expression was a mix of hope and uncertainty. "I just don't know! I want to go, but I'm terrified. I'm scared my boldness will just lead to another disappointment."

Eloise patted her gently, a soothing presence. Orlena nestled closer, saying no

more...

He sent Linda and Luca off to play and strolled over, lighting a cigarette in the crisp outdoor air. Taking a drag, he teased, "What's all this

head away as her

an intimacy only spouses could understand. His cheeks hollowed with each drag of the

a thrill

way to Eloise's belly, his

was a girl and as

to bear the intimate atmosphere, Orlena excused herself,

behind, his hands cradling her belly. Whispering into the nape of her neck, he

into his embrace and whispered back, "Don't

planning something against Ravenna. He considered for a

his furrowed brow, her voice

Horigan, but I think your

thought of how

Eloise murmured, a hint of anticipation in her

at her

for her deep love.

subject, wanting

away from

What do you think we should

Daniel and Orlena. The birthday was just an excuse

to the master bedroom, where a hidden door in the dressing room revealed a line of safes filled with