Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Alex Mormed into the room, making it feel even more contined. There were no windows, just a small bed, an old desk with a few books, a desk fan, and boxes stacked in the comer by letting you live in this dump Alex grumbled, giving a cardboard box a kick

"Is Aaron reallynoveldrama

Elle stepped in front of the box, shielding it. "What's your problem?" she retorted. She'd spent weeks finding this place, and it was close to the hospital with cheap rent.

"Even the homeless wouldn't live here, Alex said, shaking his head.

Ignoring him, Ellie warned to tidy up her books.

Alex plopped down on the bed, making in creak loudly. "You call this a bed? I'm surprised it hasn't collapsed yet, he commented

Ellie glanced at the wobbling bed and quickly moved to stealy it. "Stop shaking it," she warned.

Their eyes met, and Alex stood up. Ellie breathed a sigh of relief. But then, Alex stomped on the edge of the bed, and it crashed to the floor.

Ellie stared at the broken bed, and then at Alex.

Alex sneered, "Don't make a fuss about it. You've got this amazing brother, why don't you let him buy you a new one?"

was anxious.

"You broke my bed! What does that have to do with my brother?" Ellie was

When the rented this place, the landlord took a 100-dollar deposit. Now the bed was ruined, and she had nowhere to sleep. Plus, there was no way she was getting her deposit back. Alex shrugged, stepping on the wreckage. "You always get defensive when I mention Aaron"

"He's my brother, Ellie sood, crossing her arms.

Alex looked at her intently. Just when Ellie thought he might storm out, he asked, "If both your brother and I fell into the water, who would you

Ellie was taken aback. "You and Aaron can swim I can't she replied.

I mean hypothetically, Alex said, leaning closer "What if you could swim, and neither of us could? If we both fell in, who would you save fint?" Td save Aaron," Elle said without hesitation Alex playfully tapped her head. "Let me ask again. Who would you save first!"

Ellie rubbed her bead. I'd save Aaron"

Seeing

Alex raise his hand again, Ellie shrank back

"You have to save me first, Alex said firmly pointing at her forehead,

Ellie took a step back, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Alex's expression softened. "Ellic, you've been part of the Warren family for years. If you ever side with them, I'll make sure you know better," he said with a hint of a smile.

Ellie just forced a bitter smile.

Just then, Alex's phone rang, cutting into their conversation. He checked the caller ID and smacked his forehead, realizing he'd almost forgotten something important. He gave Ellie a quick look to quiet her and answered the call

"Hey, little bra! Why haven't you brought my darling back yet? his mom's voice boomed, so loud that Alex had to pall the phone away from his ear. He switched to speakerphone and warned Ellie with a glance, "Mom, Ellie isn't mad at me, so why are you shouting"" He covered the receiver and leaned in to whisper to Ellie, "Tell my mom you're not upset, or you'll be in trouble. Then he handed her the phone. Ellie looked up at Alex, met his stern gaze, and softly uid, "Nancy, I'm not angry

Alex quickly hung up the phone.

"If it weren't for my mom's constant nagging. I wouldn't even be here, Alex said casually, with a hint of disdain. "Ellie, Haley will be mine sooner or later. I'm just helping her see the difference between her and Aaron. What I said at the hotel was true. Alex's words made Ellie feel both sad and angry. It was true that her brother had always wom Orion's old clothes, and their family was so poor they 1/2

barely had anything.

The Warren family's support had been crucial for her and her brother to graduate. If Haley and her brother ended up together, it would feel like Haley was marrying down like a charity case and that was true too.

While she felt embarrassed and hurt, there wasn't much to hold a grudge over. However, Alex's tactics-forcing her to lose her internship to get her to help him pursue Haley, and putting her brother at risk-had left a bitter taste in her mouth Ellie decided to stop arguing and focused on tending to her wound. She grabbed a small mirror from the drawer and started to change the bandage on her forehead. No matter what Alex said, she wasn't going to take the bait Alex felt the conversation was getting boring and walked over to the desk. "Alright, I'll let it go since you're hurt," he said, reaching out "Lift your head 111 help you," he insisted, taking the medical swabs from Ellie's hand. When Ellie remained silent, Alex applied a bit more pressure with the swab.

He waited for her sharp intake of breath, and then said, "Ellie, if you can convince your brother to leave Haley on his own, or find a way to get him out of Jaslands, Ill give you anything you want; a house, a car, money, fame just name it," Feeling the warmth of Alex's fingers as he applied the bandage, Ellie thought about the things he was offering

A luxurious house, an expensive car, and the fame and fortune that many people spend their lives chasing. Everyone wants those things. She believed that if she helped Alex, he would keep his promises. But life is more than just material possessions. "The only reason I agreed to help you is because you forced me. Ellie said, putting the cotton swabs, bandage, and scissors back into the box. "There are many things in this world that can't be measured by money." Ales raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"Like family, friendship, love, life, c

e.companionship..

They exchanged glances in the small apartment, and a brief silence fell.

After a moment, Alex burst into laughter, a carefree and uninhibited sound. "Ellie, without money, family, friendship, and love all become meaningless."

Elke didn't feel like arguing anymore. The most valuable things in life are often free, and what's free is priceless, but what's priceless is also the least appreciated.

Seeing her silence, Alex continued. "Ellie, your brother being with Haley will only bring her down. It'll lower her social status, reduce her quality of Efe, and embarrass her in front of others. That's not love; it's selfish." "No, their feelings are genuine. Ellie said softly but firmly. "I trust Haley. She won't break up with Aaron because of you or any external factors

If Haley were really materialistic, she wouldn't have turned down all those wealthy guys to be with Aaron

Just as Ellic finished speaking. Alex's phone chimed with a message. He glanced at the photo that had just come in and grabbed Ellie's hand. "I'm taking you somewhere," he said.

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