Tangled Temptations

Chapter 403

Orlena couldn't help but feel a flutter of surprise. The Noland household was one of means, with staff aplenty to cater to her every whim. Yet, it was the savory bagels from the local breakfast joint that had haunted her cravings for so many years. Especially during her pregnancy with Daniel, her desire for those scones bordered on obsession. Back then, she'd often nibble on plain bread with a side of tears, cursing Brett for his cold-hearted absence.

Now, with a gleam in her eye and a touch of trepidation, Orlena slipped a hand from beneath the cozy duvet and whispered, "Did you go for a run to get these?"

Brett hummed in affirmation. Then, patting her head, he teased with a touch of fastidiousness, "At least brush your teeth and wash your face before you dig in."

Accustomed to a laid-back routine, Orlena didn't want to appear slovenly in his eyes and thought about getting up. But as soon as she swung a leg out of bed, she regretted it. Her soft and sultry voice pleaded, "Brett, could you bring me a shirt?"

He didn't move, his gaze somehow meaningful.

Flushing, she urged, "Hurry up."

Brett leaned in to kiss her, his voice husky, "Wear my shirt." He fetched a crisp white shirt from the closet. Orlena slipped into it, the fresh scent of laundry still lingering. She casually pulled her long hair out from the collar. Looking up, she caught Brett's gaze and felt her cheeks warm. She scurried into the bathroom.

When she emerged, Brett had set up breakfast at the cozy dining table in the living room. The servants had also brought a breakfast, likely his favorite.

Orlena bit into the bagel, the rich flavors instantly satisfying her palate. Perhaps it was the afterglow of the previous night's passion, but she felt utterly content and languid.

After eating half a bagel, she looked up at Brett, who was sipping coffee and browsing the morning paper.

Orlena, sipping on her soy milk with a hint of diva-like flair, teased, "At your age, shouldn't you be focusing on your health instead of drinking coffee like my brother?"

Brett lowered the newspaper, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he chuckled, "What is my supposed age?"

Sensing his playful mood, Orlena dared not provoke him further and quietly enjoyed her soy milk.

Brett was almost finished with his meal. He spoke softly, "If you want to sleep in, go ahead. Daniel's with Mum; they're probably at the supermarket by now. She's got a grandson to brag about, after all."

Orlena fretted, "That doesn't seem right."

"What's not right about it?" Brett smiled indulgently. "I like to spoil you."

The memory of the prior evening's intimacy made him kiss her again before he whispered, "I'll come back and have lunch with you."

She, of course, wanted his company, but also remembered how busy he was. Embracing him, she said softly, "Tracey's here, too. Have lunch at the office, and we can have dinner together in the evening."

"That works," Brett said, embracing her slender waist.

As much as they yearned for each other, he had to leave for the office. Outside, Donny awaited by the car, and playfully complimented, "You're positively glowing today, sir."

Brett slid into the car, adjusting his tie, and asked casually, "Am I?"

Donny, all smiles, affirmed, "Absolutely. You're in such a good mood."

Brett gave him a pointed look but couldn't deny his happiness, both physically and emotionally.

At the office, his staff, aware of his girlfriend and son's arrival, were eager to celebrate with a treat, jokingly pressuring him for a meal or sweets.

Donny mock-scolded, "You are getting too bold, aren't you? Making jokes about Mr. Brett?"

But Brett waved it off, telling his staff to work hard and promising them that Donny would allocate funds for them to enjoy later. As for the sweets, he assured them there would be plenty to go around.

The employees showered him with flattery before he and Donny retreated to the office.

buzzing with excitement. Rumors swirled that Mr.

Mr. Brett really be with

is just a game... And after all, Mr. Brett wouldn't settle for anyone

chatter died down at the mention of Stephanie, Brett's former flame, known for her lingering

appeared, with a grace that betrayed none of her inner

hand she now wore, Brett had shown mercy for old times' sake, allowing her a clerical position, far from the secrets

silk blouse and coat, with sheepskin boots and

"I overheard them downstairs. Ms. Horigan is in Brockville for

gestured for Donny to exit and, once alone, lit a cigarette with a profound look. "Stephanie, sparing you wasn't just for old

of sorrow, "Brett, how

had had their good times, after all, but in his eyes, only Orlena mattered. She had

stared at her and said earnestly, "Stephanie, you're not a fit for this place

papers, sending her off to

I have to clear out, right? Brett, you're kicking me out of

tone was indifferent, "It's for the

was made up, and

left with her transfer orders, Donny was at the door, asking out of habit how she was, as

puzzled, but then Brett came

with women always left a bitter taste. Without saying a word, Donny could guess most of what

tracks and said softly, "Donny, do you know what I regret the most? Having too many women before I met Orlena. If I'd known one day I'd want to be

like him, physical needs were never that important. Those flings were just to pass the time. He never took them to heart, but

some words

her things, left the building, and was soon on her way to Dawson. Her colleagues were surprised but guessed it

...

busy for the whole day. Before leaving

and she was particularly fond of a gifted box of fresh

teased her, "More than last

blushed at his

a button on his shirt, Brett said tenderly, "I was thinking of asking

grab dinner, maybe catch a movie. But if you're tired, let's do it

all," Orlena protested hurriedly, insisting, "I'm

lowly, "Not tired

was at a loss for

his voice turning gentle again,

to admit defeat, Orlena huffed before hanging up, "You're

more, tinged with amusement, "I plan to

the phone, her heart still racing, and yet there was this surreal feeling. Yes, she was living with Brett now, with endless conversations by day and sharing a bed by

then she pinched her own cheek as a reminder, "Orlena,

Act with some poise. You can't be swayed by

resolved to spend his money on

always plans carefully.

picking out a smart blouse and skirt with a beige

relatives with her grandson, came back just in time to see her. She beamed, "Enjoy your date. Young people should date. And if you don't come back tonight, it'll be

when Tracey had

to her surprise, it was Donny

pick her up.

handed him a box of asparagus. Donny

gladly accept. Tonight, I'll have my wife

him not to