Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Aaron stepped Ellie as she tried to pick it up again. "Ellie," he said, his voice heavy. "Let it go."

Ellie turned to Alles, their eyes locking. "If I had a choice, I'd rather starve than live with you, with the Warren family," she cried, and then left with Aaron, not looking back. "Aaron!" Haley tried to follow Aaron, but her family held her back

Layton watched the siblings enter the elevator. When he turned back, Alex was still staring at the elevator doors. "Let's go talk upstairs," Layton said, leading Alex away from the party,

At the top of the Earl Hotel, in Layton's private suite, the 360-degree view of the city was stunning Layton handed Alex a glass of red wine, his tone curious. "Alex, you're really going after Haley, but why the beef with Aaron every time you cross path?" Alex leaned back on the sofa, taking the wine with a distant look. "Just don't like the guy"

Though Alex spoke harshly, he couldn't get Ellie's parting words out of his mind. "If I had a choice. I'd rather starve than live with you, with the Warren family. Annoyed, he frowned and downed his drink in one go,

Layton noticed Alex's mood was off. "Come on, man. You're not just stealing Aaron's girlfriend, you're stealing his sister too. What's the deal?" Alex met Layton's gaze. "Ellie's like family to ine, We grew up together."

Layton shook his head. True, but he's her real brother. You've got to see that.

Alex glared back. "Aaron's the one who doesn't f

Layton shrugged, trying to keep things casual. Im not arguing. But Ellie's p

"Why not?" Alexs kicked over a small stool in frustration.

going to move on eventually. You can't control everything, you know?"

"You're being a bit obsessive, Alex, Layton said, pointing at him and shaking his head. "You need to figure this out yourself. I can't spell it out for you"

Alex walked over to the window, staring blankly into the night "What's to figure out? If she wants to leave, let her. She's j

's just being ungrateful"

In the bustling heart of Jaslands night marker. Elle and Aaron stood by the roadside, watching the city's endless flow of traffic. Despite their best efforts to fit in, they still felt like outsiders. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't seem to make lasting connections or find their place

Ellie glanced up at Aaron, her voice soft and uncertain, "Maybe Haley just isn't well... um.

She wanted to offer some comfort, but the words felt inadequate. When they saw Haley, Haley's first reaction wasn't excitement but anxiety and the just asked why they were there.

When Aaron explained they were just passing through, Haley seemed relieved, not disappointed. When Alex insulted Aaron, Haley stood by, acting like she didn't even know him. Even though Haley knew the ring was a gift from Aaron, she was indifferent as she chased it around the hall. Ellie realized how naive she had been, and it was all so tropic. Aaron

gently wiped away Ellie's tears. 'Ellie, if you're more sad than happy, it's time to walk away, he mid. "You know life's ups and downs. Breakups aren't the end of the world.

"I can get another ring, find someone else, but losing the courage to face challenges is the real loss.

"Never feel inferior. Self-respect is your inner strength. If that person isn't in your heart, they can't hurt your self-respect."

Ellie hugged Aaron tightly, crying. She had meant to comfort him, but he ended up comforting her. "Aaron, I'll listen to you. We'll work hard together, and we won't let other things get to us," she said,

As long as she could erase Alex from her mind and seal her heart again, she wouldn't feel the pain anymore.

Back at the apartment, Ellie couldn't sleep, and she knew Aaron probably couldn't either. Aaron had given up a well-paying side jub and used all his savings to buy the ring for Haley, even avoiding public acknowledgment of their relationship for her sake. Everything he did showed how much Haley meant to him. He spoke lightly about it, but Ellie knew he must have been hurting Yet, responsibilities 1/2

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kept him from giving in to despair.

The next morning. Ellie received a call from Haley and met her at the corner outside their neighborhood

As the car window rolled down, Haley, her voice sounding hoarse, said, "It's really sunity out here. Get in the carnoveldrama

They used to be best friends, but after last night, there was an awkward distance between them. Ellie stood by the car door, not moving. Tim good; let's just talk here."

Haley lowered her head and paused, "Ellie. I tried calling Aaron, but he said he's boy and wouldn't meet me. Do you know where he moved? Can you take me to him?"

Ellie hesitated, "Haley, about Alex

Haley's voice softened even more, "You know my patents don't want me with Aaron. They've been trying to set me up with Alex 1 didn't tell you guys about my birthday because I was worried about an awkward situation,"

She paused. "I didn't expect you to show up,, and I definitely didn't expect Aaron to have a ring. I'm really confused and don't know how to talk to

him about it."

Ellie looked at Haley, surprised, "So, you're saying Alex has really shaken up your feelings?"

As their eyes met, Haley hesitated, ".

Ellie looked away, disappointed. Misunderstandings don't exist, they're just the truth. Behind every excuse lies a deeper reason.

Ellie pleaded with Haley, almost desperately, "Haley, Aaron has worked so hard for you I don't know what the future holds, but if you're giving up, please tell him directly. Let him keep some dignity, okay?" Comment