Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 278

A photograph gently nestled into his coat pocket. With delicate fingers, Eloise smoothed it out for him, patting it down with care.

Harvey caught her eye as he withdrew the photo— It was Monika, the new intern at the firm.

He moved to the foot of the bed, loosening his tie with a soft chuckle. “All this fuss over an intern? Really, Eloise, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill!”

“Just an intern?” Eloise walked over slowly, bending down to whisper, “Harvey, you’ve crossed a line! Do you really think I’m that temperate?”

Harvey laughed lightly, caressing her soft cheek.

Eloise didn’t appreciate his casual demeanor, trying to dodge him. But his movements were swift, holding her slender waist, and his touch becoming playful and teasing…

“Is that so?

“What about you? Do you love me?

“When we’re together, you call my name… Are you calling for me, Harvey, or for the man in your memories? Huh?

“Eloise, I’m just a stand-in, aren’t I?

“Who’s the bigger hypocrite here?”

…

Eloise felt a tight pang in her heart. With a cold laugh, she lowered her gaze. “Harvey, all your talk just boils down to one thing—you won’t fire her! I need to know, are you keeping an intern around or a youthful regret? Harvey, you enjoy the benefits of our marriage while keeping her close… Who are you trying to fool?”

Eloise picked up the photograph. She shredded it right in front of Harvey.

He leaned back, his gaze clear as if he was seeing Eloise anew. After a while, he chuckled. “I didn’t realize I married a fierce girl!”

With a pull, Eloise fell onto him. Their bodies were close and the atmosphere was palpable.

Eloise lowered her eyes and her voice turned cold. “I’m still within the forty-two-day recovery period after childbirth. Are you gonna be so horny?”

Harvey was in the mood for sex. Her words, however, left him deflated.

Of course, once everything was laid bare, there was no need to preten No need to mask himself, so he playfully pinched her cheek. “What can I do, Mrs. Horigan? I can’t help being horny around you!”

Eloise pushed him away, straightening her clothes as she walked out of their master bedroom. That night, she didn’t return to their bed.

Harvey knew she was in the guest room, or perhaps in the study, reminiscing about, “that old Harvey.”

Yes, their marriage had problems. She loved her husband. As for him, he had no memories of her. They had been together for half a year, and he had tried, but he couldn’t find anything resembling love.

A pile of shredded paper was on the floor.

Harvey thought that if he loved her, he would fulfill her request tonight. But he didn't love her. They were merely a couple sharing a bed with different dreams. Now, there was no need for pretense.

Harvey felt relieved. He thought marriage should be simple, like raising kids together, making love a few times on weekends when the mood struck. Talking about feelings, however, was exhausting!

However, he soon realized, Eloise wasn’t just throwing a tantrum, she was serious. When he came home from social engagements, she was often not there.

The housemaid said Eloise went to the Horigan Mansion to stay overnight, to take care of the kids. Even when she was home, she refused to share a bed with him.

…

A week later, at Prestige Legal Advisors.

In the spacious office, Harvey sat quietly, propping his chin on his slender middle finger. After discussing business, Denise smiled. “Tomorrow is Saturday, Attorney Horigan. Have a good weekend!”

Harvey snapped back to reality, managing a weak smile.

Denise was about to suggest some tips to improve their marital relationship when the office door gently opened, and in walked a thin, youthful figure. It was Monika, the intern.

Harvey frowned.

Denise asked, “What is it?”

Monika held up a small box of cake, saying shyly, “Attorney Horigan, today is my birthday! I made this cake myself. I’d like you to try it…”

Harvey glanced at Denise. Denise took it, placing it on the desk. “That’s thoughtful of you!”

But Monika didn’t leave, biting her lip with a pitiful look. “Actually… Some colleagues are throwing me a birthday party, Attorney Horigan, Denise, I was hoping you could come!”

Denise cursed inwardly at this scheming girl.

Harvey flatly refused, “No need! And in the future, don’t just barge into my office!”

She truly had Joan’s face, and she was clearly trying to seduce him. But Harvey had never desired Joan, let alone this young girl before him! He just… Joan was dead, and seeing someone so similar stirred some emotions. He just hoped this girl, who looked so much like Joan, would take the right path.

Even though Eloise made such a fuss, he didn’t fire her.

Harvey’s refusal left Monika humiliated. She was on the verge of tears. “Attorney Horigan, I didn’t mean anything by it!”

“Get out!”

Monika left, covering her face. The door closed behind her.

Harvey closed the file, speaking softly. “You said it’s the weekend, right? Order a bouquet for me!” He was going to pick up Eloise.

Denise smiled and agreed.