Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

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12

Around six or seven in the evening, the night market was buzzing with activity. Alex pulled Ellie to a stop behind a car and pointed ahead. "Ellie, check this out. I didn't stir up any drama between them this time."

Ellie followed his gaze and saw Haley arguing with Aaron on the sidewalk. Haley was clearly upset, pointing at Aaron and crying about his mistakes. and Ellie felt a knot in her stomach

"Why did you take a job at the Earl Hotel, Aaron? It's the fanciest place in town and you know my family goes there all the time!" Haley cried. frustration spilling over. Aaron reached out to wipe her tears, but she pushed his hand away. With a sigh, Aaron replied, Haley, you know my family's situation. I took that part-time job to help pay for my dad's medicine."

Ignoring the curious stares from people passing by, Haley's emotions were spiraling. "You're always focused on your family and making money for your dad. Have you ever thought about how I feel?"

Haley continued, "The Owens family is well-respected in town. If people find out my boyfriend is working as a bellboy, carrying bags and opening doors, what will that do to my parents' reputation" Aaron looked hurt. His hands, which had been on her shoulders, fell to his sides, clenched into fists.

After a moment, he spoke, surprisingly calm. Haley, I know it's tough bring with me, but I'm carning money honestly, I don't think that's something to be ashamed of

Haley, frustrated by his stubbornness, burst into tears. "Aaron, you need to quit that job and find something beiter, or we're done"noveldrama

Aaron's expression shifted to serious. "Haley, if you want to break up, think it through and talk to me when you're calm. I don't like it when you use breakups as a threat to get me to change."

Ellie couldn't stand it any longer. She turned away from her brother Aaron, her eyes filling with tears. Watching him being threatened by Haley was just too much,

That defeated look on his face didn't wait him at all. How much can poverty bring someone down? ti felt like Aaron was living proof.

Since she joined the Warren family, Ellie had learned to play nice, trying to keep everyone happy, even the staff. She was scared that if she upset someone, she might lose her tuition for the next semester, Aaron had it even tougher living with their parents whenever he bought anything the first thing he did was check the price tag.

They say kids without a safe home don't look forward to going back. But for Ellie and Aaron, there was no resentment toward their parents or their home-just a heavy sense of guilt

They wished they could work harder to afford the best medicine for their dad and make sure their mom didn't have to wear those faded sleeves anymore. Is being poor really a faudi!

"Ellie, are you brave enough to make a bet with me Alex's leasing voice pulled her out of her thoughts

With red-rimmed eyes, she shot him a look, feeling the joy on his face was a cruel joke. "What do you want to bet on?" she asked.

"I bet that Haley will break up with Aaron and choose me," Alex said, a smirk on his face.

Ellie looked down, and Alex added, "If you lose, you have to do whatever I say from now on

Her lashes fluttered, glistening with tears. "And what if you lose!" she asked sofily.

"If I lose, I'll do whatever you say," Alex replied.

"No bet," Ellie said quicily, lowering her gaze. If she could, she'd rather just leave this place forever.

Alex rolled his eyes. I don't need to bet to know I'll win. Haley and Aaron are a bad match, they don't see eye to eye. They're not going to last." Noticing Ellie's silence, he continued, "Wouldn't it be better to end things on a good note before it gets Ellie was about to leave when a little girl selling flowers stepped in her way. "Hey, mister, buy some flowers for your girlfriend the girl chirped. Ellie quickly wiped her eyes and said, "I'm not his..."

Before she could finish, Alex interrupted, pointing at the red roses. "I'll take all of them," he said confidently.

The little girl, quick to act, set down her basket and pulled out all the red roses, adding two lilies to create a bouquet. She handed it to Ellie with a bright smile. "Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness." Ellie watched in confusion as Alex paid the girl, a smile on his face. He likes Haley, so why is he buying roses for me? Isn't he being a bit reckle

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1:19 PM c

she thought

"What are you daydreaming about?" Alex asked, taking the bouquet from her. "You didn't really think I bought these for you, did your

Ellie's hand suddenly felt empty, snapping her back to reality. Her face turned crimson, and she felt so embarrassed she wished she could disappear

Alex adjusted the bouquet and said. "Only someone like Haley deserves these beautiful roses. For you, a weed would be more appropriate" With that, he turned and hurried off to catch up with Haley Even after he left, Ellie was still recling from the awkward moment.

She looked up just in time to see Alex chasing after Haley, and it felt like her heart was being squeezed.

Roses grow in greenhouses, and despite their thorns, people cherish them. Weeds, on the other hand, thrive unnoticed in the wild, tough but overlooked. He was right. Aweed really does suit her best. When Elle saw Aaron approaching, she quickly averted her gaze. "Hey, Aaron," she said hurriedly.

They stood side by side on the sidewalk, watching the busy street. "Aaron, is it really true that Haley wants to break up with you?" Ellie finally asked, her worry evident

Aaron stared at the traffic light, and even when it turned green, he didn't budge. "I get her situation, but I need to earn some money," he said thoughtfully.

Ellie understood that feeling all too well. Her voice wavered as she asked, "What are you going to do

Aaron gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll gure something out

Ellie hesitated, looking up at him. "Aaron, actually about Alex, he, um..

"He's into Haley, I know," Aaron said, nesling at Ellie. "Haley's amazing, she's got a lot of people interested in her. One more isn't going to change anything"

They exchanged a glance, and Ellie, with tears in her eyes, suddenly laughed. "Well, do you think I look like a weedi

Aaron took her hand as they crossed the street. 'No way. Ellie, you're not a weed. You're a flower, the most beautiful sunflower."

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