Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 233

Eloise froze. Harvey's voice was hoarse and unsteady. "I'm not telling you this to gain your sympathy, but to make you understand. If you come back to be Linda's mother, you might end up like me, with no personal life! Do you still want to be Linda's mother?"

His words struck a chord in Eloise, making her heart feel heavy with emotion. How could she not want Linda? She stared at him, her heart pounding. She didn't know what to say.

Harvey lifted his hand, gently touching her face. He knew she was upset, but he felt he had to tell her the truth. Raising Linda was a huge responsibility and he was afraid she would blame him for his past mistakes.

Perhaps, if he hadn't gone to Britain, she would still be sleeping upstairs.

Perhaps, if Linda hadn't been born, she wouldn't be so frail!

Eloise stayed silent for a long time, not pushing him away. At times like these, as parents, they both needed a bit of warmth from each other.

After a while, Harvey withdrew his hand, gently telling her, "Go on! I've got a meeting later, so I'll come another day. Pick up Linda this afternoon and I'll fetch her in the evening."

Eloise simply nodded in response. She left in a hurry, not sure what she was running away from. Was it Harvey's gentle demeanor, or the painful memories of their past?

...

Eloise was clearly distracted. While preparing dinner, she nearly sliced her finger.

Michelle lay on her hospital bed, laughing softly. "Put the knife down before you hurt yourself!"

Eloise dropped her hand and softly called, "Mom!"

Michelle beckoned her over, holding her hand gently, "I only found out about Linda this year! When Harvey brought her to Brockville, she was so small, it scared everyone. Your grandmother cried for a long time, and Harvey spent the entire night on his knees."

Eloise leaned into Michelle.

Michelle stroked her hair, whispering, "Your uncle said he hoped you'd have more options, not just being with Harvey for the sake of the child. That's why he didn't refuse the Strand family. What I'm saying is... follow your heart, but don't rush your decision. You've broken up and got back together several times."

Eloise nodded. "Mom, I'll be careful!" Right now, all she wanted was to raise Linda well and ensure she grew up healthy.

Michelle smiled. "Bring the little one over tomorrow. I haven't seen her in a long time. She looks just like you when you were her age, but her temperament is exactly like Harvey's. She's going to be quite a handful when she grows up!"

Thinking about Linda, Eloise's heart softened.

She spent the afternoon with Michelle and left at half-past three to pick up Linda. At the daycare entrance, Linda saw Eloise, and her fair little face was beaming with pride.

Eloise took Linda's tiny backpack, crouched down to wipe her sweat, and gently asked, "Do you want to go to a fancy restaurant with mommy later? I have to work."

Linda blinked her eyes. She asked in a childlike voice, "Mommy, are you running out of money? Daddy has a lot of money!"

Eloise kissed her cheek. "Mommy owns that restaurant and sometimes plays the piano there!"

Linda immediately brightened up. She wanted her mommy to carry her, and to hug her neck. Her mommy smelled so nice!

……

Eloise took Linda to the French restaurant. She booked a table near the piano for Linda and even ordered a fine French meal for her.

Usually, Linda made a mess while eating, but now, with Eloise cutting her steak into bite-sized pieces, she managed to eat with a fork, looking quite elegant.