Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Chapter

16

Late at night, in a swanky private room on the second floor of a bar. Alex was surrounded by his buddies, all taking turns in a drinking game.

Layton noticed Alex seemed off and said, "Hey, Alex, you've been so busy with Haley lately. What's the deal tonight"

Alex drained his glass of red wine and shrugged. "She's a handfu!"

"A handful?" The others looked at each other, as confused as Layton.

Layton finally got it. "You mean your little girl?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "Who else!"

With a smirk, Layton leaned in. "You know, girls grow up. If you can't handle her, maybe it's time to find her a good man

Alex shot back, "She's just a kid! Where do you get these ideas?"

Layton shrugged. "Come on, she's twenty already. Maybe I should meet her. I'm kind of into her?

Alex put his glass down and stared at him, his fists clenched. "You're way too old for that. If you even think about it, you're in trouble"

Layton laughed and backed off "Who's calling me old? We're the same age!"

He continued, "So, you don't want to find her a man, but you can't keep her around if she's always driving you crazy. What do you really want? You don't have a thing for her-Do you see her as a sister??

As Layton's gaze probed him, memories of Ellie's words came back to Alex: "I 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." Feeling agitated, Alex got up and left the room.

The others looked at each other, then at Layton. "Layton, is everything okay? Why did Alex leave like that?"

Layton poured himself some more wine and glanced at the door. "He's just dealing with his little troublemaker. She's got him stressed out

Fille was busy as usual, but today fel different.

She wanted to put some distance between herself and Alex, deciding not to drag him into her attempts to win over Haley anymore. Tonight was Haley's birthday, and Aaron was planning to propose. Ellie believed that Haley wouldn't throw away their two-year relationship for something material.noveldrama

Once they w

were engaged, she figured Alex would finally back off. They could say hi when they crossed paths and then go on with their lives. After a long day at the hospital, Ellie felt a knot in her stomach when she realized she hadn't received an invitation to Haley's birthday party. As soon as she clocked out, she rushed to find Aaron She learned he had called Haley multiple times, but the hadn't picked up. "You should try calling her again." Ellie urged. "Maybe she's just being a little difficult and wants you to sweet-talk her

At 5 PM, Aaron made his fifth call. The phone rang for what felt like forever, but still no answer.

r parents have never liked me, so they probably don't want us to see each other today. Let's not make it awkward; we can

He remained hopeful. "Herp talk lares."

He checked the time and added, "I need to swing by the hotel donin to grab my stuff. I'll drop you off first."

Ellir

die felt a pang of concern for Aaron. She grabbed his arm as they walked. "I'm off tomorrow, so I'll go with you to the hotel. And you better treat me to some beef stew afterward!"

After eight. Ellie and her brother Aaron headed to the Earl Hotel, where Aaron used to work part-time. The entrance was lined with luxury cars, and Ellie quickly spotted a sleek silver sports car

She hesitated for a moment but then shrugged it off. The Earl Hotel belonged to Layton, and Alex, his best friend, spent half the year there, so it wasn't unusual

Aaron guided Ellie through

employee entrance and into the lobby. They were on their way to the dormitory to collect Aaron's personal items.

As they entered, they heard cheers from the lobby. Ellie and Aaron looked over to see Haley in a fitted princess dress, surrounded by a crowd

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Next in a lowering champagne tower and a multi-layered cake, Alex opened a jewelry box and placed an expensive pink diamond necklace around Haley's neck. He looked at her warmly and invited her to dance. Haley smiled softly and accepted. Ellae felt a sharp pain in her heart, almost forgetting to breathe. She knew the necklace was for Haley, but seeing it happen still hurt. She realized Haley had invited many friends but not her and Aaron

She looked up at Aaron, trying not to cry. He seemed calm, like a bystander. Ellie reached for his hand, but his fist was clenched tight, and his arm

was stil

"Can we leave, Aaron?" Ellie asked softly, not wanting to disturb the cheering

g crowd. Staying would only make him more uncomfortable. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Please, Aaron, can we go?"

In the hall, Alex and Haley danced gracefully, like a perfect couple. Alex was dressed formally in a dark suit, his dirty blonde hair shining under the lights. His gaze was intense, as if they were the only ones there.

Ellie struggled to breathe, fighting back tears. Her voice shook as she whispered to Aaron, "Can we go, please?" It felt like a secret she was sharing, too afraid to speak louder.

She tugged at his arm, and fmally, Aaron responded. He looked down, hiding his emotions, and gave her a reassuring smile. "Let's go," he said.

"Aaron," Alex's loud voice rang out from the hall just as they were about to leave. The music cut off, and all eyes turned to the siblings. Comment