Tangled Temptations

Chapter 389

Brett had a proposal on his mind. Orlena, deep down, was thrilled. But as she aged, she held onto a woman's modesty. So, with an air of nonchalance, she replied, "And what does your proposal have to do with me?"

Immediately after, she felt a tad embarrassed for putting on such an act and bowed her head to pretend to be engrossed in her phone.

Brett watched her in silence. After a long pause, he whispered, "You are the only daughter in the family. How can you say my proposal has nothing to do with you?"

Orlena's fingers froze on the screen. Staring at her phone for an eternity, she asked softly, "Brett, is this a dream?"

"It's not a dream! Orlena, we can finally be open about us. You can tell anyone that you're my wife. I'll be there to pick up and drop off Daniel at preschool with you."

His voice was tender, yet it carried a tinge of melancholy. These everyday moments, mundane for most, were a Herculean task for him. He took Orlena's hand and whispered, "Once the project's over, I will just be yours."

He pulled her close. Her cheek pressed against his well-maintained midsection - no sign of middle-aged spread at all.

Orlena closed her eyes, savoring the moment. After a while, she murmured, "Even if... we get married, I still want to work."

He said that was fine. He owed her too much to confine her to the house. His little girl had grown up, and he wouldn't let her revert to her old self.

Orlena was quite content. She quietly admired the dazzling ring on her finger. In a soft voice, she teased, "At your age, it doesn't matter if you don't have a grand wedding gift. My brother and sister-in-law will give me plenty. Daniel and I don't need you to provide for us."

Brett couldn't help but laugh with a mix of irritation and amusement. He gently pinched her cheek. Did she really think he couldn't provide for his wife and child?

"Shall we head to that old apartment later?" he suggested in a low voice.

Orlena wanted to go shopping. Despite being together for years, they had never really openly strolled around together. The experience was refreshing.

Brett wasn't opposed to accompanying her but craved alone time with her. Besides, her earlier jab about his age had stung.

They left the restaurant in Brett's car.

Orlena wasn't naive, and she had an inkling of what a man wanted when he suggested going to his apartment alone. But since he didn't spell it out, she was too shy to bring it up.

The sleek black sports car zoomed past Diamond Plaza.

was

quiet mood. "What's wrong?"

faintly, squeezing her

on Sixth Avenue. The place was

were both a bit awkward, almost

the lights and shrugged off his wool coat. "Turn up the heat,

Her voice was sweetly muffled. "Who's taking off their

teased, "What

the phone away. She shot back, "What kind of mom has

boiled water, and ordered some veggies, fruits, and

Soon, the delivery arrived.

at his tall,

playfully - he sure

...

Brett was a mature,

care of her. Sensing her satisfaction as she ate his

bone soup with cilantro and a few noodles, knowing she was always mindful of carbs.

and brought it to the cozy dining

lured by the aroma, came over. Noticing there was only one

pulled out a cigarette but

always been

about it; Brett rarely snacked late at night and always watched his portions carefully - he was indeed quite self-disciplined. She huffed, "Why bother being so fit? Trying

didn't take offense. He eyed her, "Didn't I

the first time she saw him at the Horigan Mansion -

and polished, who would've guessed his fierce side in

strayed, and she fell

let out a low chuckle.

her meal slowly, looked at the empty bowl, then looked

unaffected. His long fingers toyed with the cigarette, the sight of it making her face burn. The

can't tease me