Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 223

Harvey gently embraced her shoulders. Eloise, contrary to her usual demeanor, didn't resist him. She remained in his arms for a long time. As the sun reached its zenith, she finally spoke, "Harvey, when are we going to divorce?"

Harvey stiffened. He had anticipated that she would bring it up today, but he wasn't ready to let go so easily. He hoped to delay the inevitable, trying to salvage their shattered marriage. He remained silent for a long time before finally uttering, "Let's take it slow."

Eloise pulled away from him. She turned to face him, her mind already made up. She was determined to divorce him. "What's the point?" She asked in a choked voice, "Let's end this marriage as soon as possible. We both need to start new journeys. Our marriage existed because of Linda, now that she's not here."

Harvey cut her off. He stared at her intensely, inquiring with an almost pitifully quiet voice, "If Linda were still here, would you come back to me?"

His question was cleverly posed. He didn't ask, if Linda were still here, would she divorce him? He asked, would she come back.

Eloise didn't catch the nuance. She gazed at the fading sky, saying softly, "Unfortunately for us, there are no more 'ifs'."

Harvey stepped forward again, slowly embracing her. Before she could resist, he murmured, "I'll sign the papers, Eloise. Just let me hold you a little longer."

He held her quietly. At that moment, Harvey didn't know how long he would have to be apart from her. Two years, three years, or maybe a lifetime. But no matter how long. He should let her go.

He looked at her deeply, "Let's have dinner together at our old apartment. I'll have Denise bring the papers over."

Eloise finally pulled away from him. She smiled faintly, "I don’t think it’s necessary."

Harvey grabbed her hand, "Just one meal. Then I'll sign." He looked at her earnestly, insistent.

In the end, Eloise agreed. She got into his car and he called Denise, giving her a few instructions. It was clear that Denise knew what was happening, and quickly complied with his request.

Half an hour later, they arrived at their old apartment. Everything was as it used to be.

The Rococo-style curtains, the piano, and the blue vase... Even Milo, their injured pet, which he had brought back from the vet, was there. He was lazily basking in the sun on his cushion.

When Eloise entered, Milo sprang up to greet her, whining excitedly. Eloise reached out, gently patting his head. Harvey watched her slender hand, saying softly, "If you want, you can take him."

Eloise nodded slightly.

Since this was their last meal together, she didn't want to dine in her hospital gown. She picked out a dress from the wardrobe and even put on makeup.

They ate in silence. On the table, alongside the exquisite food, were two copies of the divorce papers, prominently placed. Harvey moved them aside, murmuring, "Let's eat first."

He served her food gently, always encouraging her to eat more. Eloise ate a little, then set down her utensils. She smiled faintly, "Harvey, let's sign the papers."

His hand, which was holding the fork, froze. After a moment, he said, "I'm not full yet."

Eloise waited patiently for him. Her demeanor hardly carried a trace of madness. No matter how sorrowful, people always need to return to reality and continue bravely. Now she had regained her courage. She wanted to move forward, alone.

The conditions Harvey offered were generous. Real estate, stocks, and cash added up to more than 2 billion. Eloise hesitated to sign. Harvey said calmly, "Take it. Don't drink yourself to oblivion over work anymore."

Eloise's eyes were slightly moist. She signed.

Harvey's vision blurred. He took a moment before asking casually, "What are your plans?"

Eloise didn't answer.

He paused, then realized his mistake. Of course, she wouldn't tell him her plans. They were divorced. It was over.

Eloise stood up, calling Milo and putting his leash on. As she was leaving, she said quietly, "I'm leaving."