Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

As Haley and Alex chatted about fashion brands Ellie had never heard of, she kept quiet, watching Haley enjoy the attention.

Staring at her iced water, Ellie suddenly stood up. "You g

guys go ahead and chat, I need to use the restroom"

She couldn't drink iced water because of her health, but that was all she had. She couldn't join the conversation, and they were so engrossed in their own world that it felt like she wasn't even there

She felt self-conscious in her simple outfit, and people passing by gave her curious looks. She felt like she didn't belong. This wasn't her scene.

After sending a message to Haley, Ellie left the cafe and walked down the pedestrian street toward her apartment. Just then, she spotted Aaron coming out of a jewelry store.

was a rare moment for the siblings to be out together, and Ellie couldn't help but notice the small square box in Aaron's hand. She had a pretty good idea of what it was. "So, have you made a decision?" she asked. Aaron lonked determined and said, "Yeah, I have, I know there's a big difference between me and Haley, and her parents aren't exactly fans of mine. but I don't want to let her down.

by and found something beiter. I'm planning to propose to her on her birthday."

I quit my job as a hotel hellboy

After parting ways with Aaron, Ellie felt a rush of emotions. She was surprised and a bit anxious, Haley's birthday was coming up, and usually, she would mention it ahead of time. But today. Haley hadn't said a word about it When Ellie got home and kicked off her shoes, the doorbell rang. I just moved in and only shared my new address with Aaron. Who could be visiting me at this hour she wondered

Her phone buzzed in her hand, and seeing the familiar caller ID, she quickly declined the call. She wasn't in the mood to talk to him right now.

"Ellie, open the door!" A loud bang echoed through the hallway, and Ellie could feel Alex's anger even from behind the door. Relictantly, she opened it

Allex stormed in, shooting her a look that could freeze fire. "TII deal with you later," he said, striding straight toward her bedroom.

Ellie watched as Alex searched the room like he was on a mission. She stepped in front of him at the bathroom door. "What are you doing here?" the demandell.

Alex looked down at her, his voice firm. "Pack y

Ellie shook her head. Im fine living here."

your things. You're coming home with me"

Alex glanced around the room. It was a bit better than her last place, but still pretty bare. He turned and unplugged her laptop. I didn't ask for your opinion. You're coming home with me right now! Ellie stepped in front of him, blocking the way "I don't want to go back!

"Ellie, this isn't up for discussion Alex warned, his eyes narrowing

She reached for her laptop, her voice steady, Tm not discussing it either. In not going back

With a loud crash, the laptop fell to the floor, and the room fell silent.noveldrama

Ellie stared defiantly at Alex, reminding herself not to back down.

Seeing her eyes glisten with tears, Alex shrugged it off. "It's just a laptop. I'll buy you a new one tomorrow. Come home with me.

Ellie fought back her tears. Sure, a laptop wasn't worth much, but represented months of hard work for Aaron, who had delivered takeout late into the night to save up for it. To her, it was priceless.

She bent down to pick up the damaged laptop, and Alex softened his tone. "Out with the old, in with the new. Why bother with that junk?" When Ellie didn't respond, he continued. "You're just a young girl who's barely started in life. Don't you realize we're worried sick about you living alone out here!"

Ellie stood up slowly, her voice trembling "Alex, what does home mean to you? What is family! You broke my bed and left me with nowhere to stay. It took you a whole week to even check on me. Did you really care?"

Their eyes locked, and Alex felt a surge of irritation. "What are you trying to say?" he asked, his voice sharp

Ellie stepped back, opening the door wider for him to leave. But be just stood there, staring at her

She pressed on, From the moment Carlos brought me into the Warren family, everyone has been kind to me. But no matter how nice you all are, 1/2

1:19 PM

it's not my home"

"Do you really have the nerve to say that again?" Alex's expression darkened as he stepped closer.

Ellie instinctively backed away until she was near the living room sofa.

Tears streamed down her face, and she choked out. I'll say it a hundred times, a thousand times the Warren family has been good to me and you've all treated me well, but you're not my family and that's not my home" Alex kicked the trash can next to the coffee table with a loud bang, sending it flying across the room

Ellie quickly stepped back, puning some distance between herself and Alex.

He narrowed his eyes, a cold smile spreading across his face. "The Warren family has supported you for years, and now I see you never really considered us family," he said, his voice filled with bitterness. "You're just ungrateful" "Yes, I'm ungrateful," Ellie retorted, tears streaming down her face as her emotions spiraled out of control. "If you really saw me as family, you wouldn't force me to help you chase Haley, my brother's girlfriend.

"You wouldn't have left me alone on a strange street during a storm, not caring what happened to me. And if you truly thought of me as family, you wouldn't embarrass us in public by demanding we repay this favor With trembling hands, Ellie pulled out the free bracelet and shoved it into Alex's palm. "I may not have much, and your gift is something I could never afford, but I really don't want it,"

Feeling the coolness of the bracelet in his hand. Alex tightened his grip on Elle's wrist. "Tell me. What do you really mean?" "he demanded, his voice steady yet intense,

Ellie's solis broke through as she replied. "My brother and I owe the Warren family, and we'll pay it back. If we can't do it all at once, well pay in installments. We can do anything. But I really don't want to go back." Alex cluiched the bracelet tightly. This was the first time Ellie had spoken so passionately to him since they met

"Ellie, haven't you had enough?" he asked, still holding her wrist to stop her from picking up the broken computer on the floor. "Largue with my grandpa and my mom all the time, and they get over it just fine-why can't you? With all her strength, Ellie yanked her wrist away from Alex's grip, her determination stronger than when she had left the Warren family over three years ago. "Because they're your family, not me." more time."

Alex's grip tightened instinctively, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Ellie. I dare you to say that one

Nearly hysterical, Ellie shouted back. "I said, I don't want to be your family, never want that She pushed him away and rushed into the bedroom, locking the stoor behind her Comment