Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Ellic and Aaron glanced at each other before turning around.

"Let's go say hello, Aaron said, his voice steady

Lilie followed him into the hall, trying to ignore the curious stares. She forced a smile at Haley and said, "Happy Birthday." Haley's face fell, and she asked, "What are you guys doing here?"

Ellie looked away, feeling awkward. Then she turned to Aaron

Aaron stayed calm. "I was just here to get my belongings and wanted to say hi, he explained, his tone slightly restrained.

He didn't mention their relationship or point out Haley's discomfort, Instead, he politely greeted Haley's parents.

Their response was a curt nod, clearly not genuine.

Aaron then turned to Haley. Tve got to go. I have something to take care of

Ellie watched as Haley visibly relaxed, and she couldn't help but feel surprised. On the way, she had been sure that Haley was avoiding Aaron. Aaron had been optimistic about their relationship, but reality hit quickly. People around them started whispering, some recognizing the siblings, others not

"Ellie, let's go," Aaron said, pulling her away and turning to leave.

Elbe felt a piercing gaze on her back. She knew who it was, but she didn't want to talk to him.

*Aaron, you came all this way and didn't bring a birthday gift for Haley?" Alex sneered

Aaron stopped, and Ellie turned back, her eyes filled with worry. Alex was pushing through the crowd, and Ellie felt a wave of anxiety. It seemed like Alex wasn't going to let them leave without a scene. Alex looked down at Ellie, his eyes stern. "This is between me and Aaron Step aside."

Ellie stood her ground. "That's my brother. I'm not moving."

Their eyes locked as Alex reached for Ellie's wrist, trying to pull her away, but Aaron quickly grabbed her other arm. "Alex, let go of my sister," he said, his tone firm.

Alex retorted, "So now you remember you have a sister? My family raised her for over a decade. Where were you during that time!!

As Alex spoke, the crowd murmured.

"So, that girl was raised by the Warren family, someone whispered.

"Looks like they didn't treat her well just look at her outfit," another added.

"She's siding with her real brother against the one who raised her. How ungrateful" someone else commented.

Ellie's face flushed with embarrassment. She pulled away from Alex and stepped back to stand with Aaron.

Despite her silence, her actions spoke volumes.

Aaron remained composed. "Alex, you're right. I haven't been the best brother. I'll do better. Excuse us he said, then guided Ellie away.

Perhaps it was Aaron's calm demeanor or Ellie's silence that set Alex off. He lunged for Ellie's shoulder, but Aaron swiftly blocked him. The crowd gasped as the two began to grapple.

"Alex" Layton stepped in, pulling them apart. Ellie held back Aaron, while Haley stood with her parents, not getting involved.

Alex shoved Layton aside, pointing at Aaron Aaron, you've been wahing for Haley's birthday. You must have a gift for her, right

Aaron glanced at Haley, but she quickly turned away. "It's none of your business," he said.

Alex's eyes narrowed, focusing on the thin pocket of Aaron's slacks. Before Aaron could finish, Alex's men were right in front of him. Sensing Alex's move, Aaron only defended, backing away. Ellie clenched her fists, her heart pounding. She knew what was in Aaron's pocket; the engagement ring he'd chosen for Haley,

Hey, why do those two always argue? Layton casually asked Ellie.

1:19 PM

Ellie forced a smile.

Seeing her silence, Layton added, "Haley's parents are watching. We can't let them keep fighting. Who's your pick! I'll help that one." Ellie nodded quickly. "Thanks, Layton."noveldrama

The fight turned into a chaotic three-way struggle. Layton attacked Aaron, giving Alex a chance to grab something from Aaron's pocket. Aaron tried to react, but Layton blocked him. The item flew into the air and landed with a thud on the floor; a ring rolled out of the small box.

Ellie looked at Layton in disbelief as he scratched his head sheepishly. Her eyes welled up with anger and regret, knowing Layton and Alex were old friends,

The ring rolled to a woman's feet. She picked it up, examined it, and laughed. "I thought it was a treasure, but it's just a plain platinum ring"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Haley stared at the ring, rooted to the spot. As she moved toward Aaron, her mother pulled her back.

Ellie watched Aaron clench his fists, tears in her eyes. The ring might be worthless to others, but it was everything to him. "Give me back the ring!" she demanded.

The woman winked and tossed the ring away. It rolled across the floor, and Ellie chased after it. It stopped by Alex's foot, and as Ellie bent down, Alex kicked it away. The ring was kicked around, rolling past everyone's feet.

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