Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Their eyes met briefly, and Haley quickly put away her compact. Elle stepped aside to let her in, then walked straight out of the room

Haley's quick makeup touch-up at the door before visiting Alex was telling. It was hard to believe she was just there to appease her didn't care about Alex. Even Haley might not have been entirely convinced by her own story, r parents and

"Ellie Haley called out, catching up to her in the hallway.

Ellie stopped but didn't turn around. Their friendship feh strained now. They had become close because their families had lived across from each other for years, and Ellie had easily become friends with Haley, who was from a wealthy family.

Ellie remembered when Haley first started pursuing her brother, Aaron. She had been worried, but Haley had promised, "No matter what happens with your brother, we'll always be best friends Haley had won over Aaron, but their friendship had changed. In the hallway, Ellic stood with her back to Haley, barely a step between them. Haley's eyes flickered nervously.

Seeing Ellie's reluctance to face her, Haley mustered her courage. "Ellie, we've been friends for so long. Are you really not going to talk to me anymore!"

Elbe listened, unsure if her sadness was due to their strained friendship, her brother's situation, or the complicated feelings she had for Alex that she couldn't quite put into words.

"Haley, I was desperate for you to give my brother a chance. If you're really done with him, just tell him. He deserves some respect," Ellie said, her voice cracking with emotion

Haley paused and then replied, I did give him a chance, but he was always distant. There've been rumors about Alex and me, but Aaron never checked if they were true. He's the one who walked away, not me," Ellie's eyes welled up as she stared at Haley. "He's the one who walked away? Aaron quit a job you didn't like and saved up to propose. birthday, you ignored his call. How was he supposed to be mor tore proactive?

But on your

She added, "Al your party, when you saw me with him, you were so panicked that he couldn't even admit he was your boyfriend. How could he

make a move then?"

"I had my reasons," Haley said, looking away. "My parents wanted me to break up with Aaron. I know what I did was wrong, but I was trying to protect you both. What if there was a fight??

"From the start, Aaron told you about our family's struggles, Ellie said, her voice shaking. "He couldn't provide everything, but he could stand by you. He asked if you wanted that, and you said yes, so firmly." Haley's eyes filled with tears, and she avoided Ellie's gaze. Their friendship, once so strong, was

broken.

"Ellie, I know you're upset, but I'm in a tough spot too," Haley said. "My parents agreed to let Aaron join the Owens Group, but he turned it down He's s got his dreams, but what am I supposed to do

Ellie looked at Haley, feeling a pang of sadness. "Everyone has dreams, Haley. You don't have to agree, but you can't crush them," she said, her lip trembling. "You and Alex are all over the news. He's been getting into trouble, and you're seen together everywhere. "You're still with Aaron, and yet you're doing all this. What are you thinking?noveldrama

Haley was speechless, overwhelmed by Ellie's words. She glanced at the hospital room door, then back at Ellie, before rushing into the elevator, tears streaming down her face.

Alex stepped into the hallway, catching a glimpse of Haley as she hurried into the elevator, tears streaming down her face. "Haley?"

"What did you say to her now?" Alex demanded, turning to Ellie

Ellie didn't respond, just kept her head down and walked away.

Alex, clearly annoyed, grabbed her arm. "I'm asking you, what did you say to her?

Ellie finally looked up, her expression defunt. "If you want to know, go ask her yourself.

"Ellie," Alex said, his grip tightening. Ellie wierd but held her gr

ground.

They stared at each other, Alex's anger palpable while Ellie remained calm.

Alex took a deep breath, trying to control his frustration. "Ellie, listen," he said, his voice tense: "No matter what you do for Aaron, I'm going to be with Haley." He released her and stormed back to the hospital room. Ellie let out a small, bitter smile. If she could really help Aaron, he wouldn't be in this mess.

1/2

1:30 PM

Ellie ducked into the duty room and left promptly at the end of her shift.

Just after 8 PM, she had finished her shower and was about to relax when Nancy called. Naney asked Ellie to stay at the hospital overnight to look after Alex

Elbe was hesitant, but when Nancy mentioned Carlos wasn't feeling well and she needed to go home, Ellie reluctantly agreed.

As she changed into fresh clothes, Ellie remembered the pink diamond necklace Alex had left in her closet. She casually tossed it into her bag and headed out.

"Where's my

dinner!" Alex asked, lying in the hospital bed and scrolling through his phone. His face fell when he saw Ellie come in empty-handed Ellie stood by the bedside, pulled the necklace out of her bag, and placed it on Alex's pillow. "Here's your necklace," she said. Alex's fingers picked up the necklace, and his piercing eyes locked onto Ellie. "Ellie, this isn't a trinket; it's worth millions. If you want it, just say so. 1 don't play games, he said, his tone tim

Ellie met his gare, feeling the mix of mockery and sarcasm in his eyes.

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