Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 227

Eloise couldn't help but scoff, "Not at all!"

She hesitated before sharing Linda's story, then spoke softly, "Veronica, I know I shouldn't. I just can't help but want to care for that child! She looks just like her, and even her name is Linda."

It seemed fantastical to Veronica. What were the odds? A child appeared out of the blue and motherless.

Veronica thought it was implausible. She put on a serious face and said, "You must be missing Linda too much! Eloise, give it another try, there might be someone out there for you!"

Three years had passed, and Eloise was still single. Veronica felt guilty and anxious. Eloise, however, seemed in no rush. She was about to say something when her phone rang. It was the same number from the night before, but this time it was Linda on the other end, her voice sweet as sugar, "Eloise, I miss you!"

Eloise's face immediately softened, "I miss you too!"

Linda continued with her cajoling, "I want to see you!"

Eloise hesitated. Meeting a student outside of school hours was against the rules. She resisted for a while before reluctantly declining, "We can meet on Friday."

Linda sounded disappointed. She didn't cry, but her voice was soft and pleading, "Dad isn't home! I'm so lonely. Eloise, will you stay with me?"

Eloise's heart softened. Veronica, who had overheard, was taken aback. Who could resist such a little devil? As expected, Eloise was already asking where to meet. Linda chuckled with delight, "Eloise, look outside!"

Eloise was surprised.

She looked out the cafe window to see a stretch limousine parked outside, its back door open. Linda was sitting inside. Dressed in a small floral dress, she looked at Eloise with gentle and obedient eyes.

Eloise immediately stood up, "Veronica, I have to go!"

Veronica was left speechless. It all felt like a setup, and Eloise was caught in the middle of it.

...

Eloise got into the car. For some reason, she noticed a familiar masculine scent in the limo, a faint smell of tobacco mixed with a hint of pine. While she frowned, Linda had already climbed onto her lap.

The driver, smiling, said, "Eloise, Miss Linda wants a Happy Meal. I'll take you there!"

Eloise thanked him immediately. When she looked down, the little one was already hugging her, as if afraid she would run away.

Eloise felt a pang in her heart. The child must have lacked familial warmth growing up. She thought about the man selling eggs, and felt even more skeptical. He must be a playboy, leaving his child at home without a care.

The limo came to a stop. Eagerly, Linda pulled Eloise out of the car and into McDonald’s. Eloise thought it wasn't good for a child to eat too much fast food. She sat down and carefully picked out the healthier options, her gentle expression making her seem even more endearing.

Linda, resting her chin in her hands, watched in contentment. Her mom was so pretty!

While eating, Eloise took good care of Linda, making the little girl think, “So this is what it feels like to have a mom!”

She thought things were moving too slowly. When could Eloise come to her house and stay with her and her dad?