Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Ellie was only in the hospital for two days before being discharged. She had work, a part-time job, and Aaron's current job came with strict rules, preventing him from taking on any side gigs. She needed to earn more money for her dad's medication. She couldn't afford to

take a break.

As soon as Ellie got back to her apartment, her phone rang. It was Nancy. You need to come to the Warren Manor, she said urgently. "Carlos is sick." Ellie couldn't ignore it, so she quickly got ready and headed out.

She had been part of the Warren family since she was a child, and everyone there had always treated her kindly. No matter how rocky things got with Alex, she couldn't simply disregard the rest of the family.

Arriving at the Warren Manor just around noon, Ellie spent some time in Carlos's room accompanying him for lunch. By the time she stepped out, it was nearly two o'clock.noveldrama

"Hey, Nancy, is Alex here!" Ellie asked, glancing toward the staircase

"He was in the living room just now. You might want to check upstairs, Nancy replied.

Ellie hesitated for a moment, then headed upstairs. She couldn't let her recent troubles go to waste; she had to delete those videos from Alex's phone

As the climbed to the second floor, memories flooded back. She resisted the urge to push open the doors to the rooms she once inhabited. When Alex stepped out of his room, he caught sight of Ellie standing there, lost in thought. With a flicker of his eyes, he moved behind her, gently mudging the door open and pushing her inside.

The room still looked the same as when she left, and Ellie instinctively looked away.

Turning around, she found Alex sitting on the bed, watching her Their eyes met and although Ellie initially wanted to stand her ground, she found herself faltering She couldn't bring herself to look directly into his eyes-she hadn't been able to before, and she certainly couldn't now.

Alex was dressed in dark loungewear, his slightly messy, light gray hair falling casually around his face. He seemed less intimidating now, more like a carefree young man than the strict persona he usually presented

Taking a deep breath, Ellie gathered her courage and said, "I did what I promised. Can I delete the video now?"

When Alex didn't respond immediately, she lifted her gaze to him. He remained in position, staring right at her. "Why were

were you discharged so soon! Is your health all good?" he asked

"Yeah, I'm fine, Ellie replied brushing off the concer

Alex got up and walked over to her, handing her his phone. That red string is cn. Let me know what kind of bracelet you want. I'll buy you a new one."

"No, thanks," Ellie said, refusing

She had known the password to Alex's phone; he never changed it. It was easy for her to unlock his phone and navigate to the gallery, searching for the video.

Her finger scrolled through his photos, and her heart sank as she saw shot after shot of Haley-some alone, some with Alex...

Her eyes locked onto one particular photo: Haley was wearing a vibrant Chanel outfit, posing with Alex in a restaurant, a one-meter-tall doll lying

next to them.

She remembered that night vividly-when Alex gave the doll to Haley, saying they had a hot pot reservation. They were supposed to go together. But Haley refused, saying her dad called, asking her to come home. "Maybe next time," she had said. Ellie's heart felt heavy. So that night, Alex went out for a Westem dinner with Haley Suddenly, it hit her-they had only been seeing each other for a few days at that point.

No wonder Alex had been so sure that Haley would choose him! From the start, Haley hadn't rejected any of Alex's advances, she had been playing hot and cold, leaving Alex to chase after her while telling Aaron how complicated things were.

Even during the breakup, she stood on her moral high ground, accusing Aaron of not compromising in the relationship! After all these years, Ellie hadn't realized how hypocritical Haley could be!

Quickly deleting the video, Ellie returned the phone to Alex and made to leave.

As she descended the stairs, Nancy caught her. "Alex, take Ellie home"

Ellie turned around, but Alex was already making his way down

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"No need, I can get a ride, Ellie rushed out, not waiting for Nancy to say anything.

"Damn it!" Alex shouted, following her. "Wait inside; I'll change and drive you home"

Ellie's face went pale. Tr's fine, I'll take a taxi," she insisted

Noticing something off about her demeanor, Alex's expression darkened. "Why are you being so stubbom! You're just digging yourself deeper!"

"I don't want to be in your car because I don't want to be kicked out halfway there!" Ellie snapped, losing her cool and turning to leave. ""You're just spoiled!" Alex shouted.

Coming back from the Warren family, Ellie threw herself into her work, prepping for grad school exams, and juggling her part-time job.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, she and Aaron were making plans to head back home to celebrate. The September nights were cooler now, less stifling than before. After finishing their busy day, the siblings met up at a food stall to grab a bite. "Hey, how about you move into my place! I can take the smaller room and give you the big one," Ellie suggested, unusually cheerful after having a few beers.

Aaron handed her a rapkin with a gentle smile, the same warm expression he always had. I have housing benefits at work, and it's more convenient to share with my coworkers Just be careful living alone.

"Don't worry, I've grown up! Ellie laughed, her joy shining through.

Across the street, Layton watched them from a luxury car, his expression dripping with envy. "Look at that! Without you meddling, they're having such a great time together."

Alex was in the passenger seat, casually observing the scene, his gaze fixated on Ellie's bright smile. It had been a while since he last saw her, and she seemed to have blossomed, looking healthier and more cheerful.

Watching Ellie feed Aaron shrimp with a smile, Alex furrowed his brows, almost ready to burst.

"Ungrateful!" He grumbled, snapping his head away from the scene and glaring at Layton, "Drive!"

Suddenly. Ellie sneezed. Concerned, Aaron took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Are you cold?"

"I'm fine, really," she replied, rubbing her nose.

Neither of them mentioned Alex or Haley

After dinner, Aaron walked Ellic home, enjoying the calmness of their daily lives.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, Thanksgiving was right around the corner. Taking advantage of her lunch break, Ellie went to the store to pick up some goodies for their parents, only to run into Haley and her friends unexpectedly Remembering the photos she saw on Alex's phone, Ellie quickly turned down another aisle to avoid them.

"Ellie Haley called out, letting go of her friend as she rushed over

Ellie stopped, and Haley continued, "I've been so busy these days. I haven't had a chance to check on you. Are you feeling better?"

"Thanks for asking. I'm okay now," Ellic hesitated but replied politely,

Haley chimed in, "So, Alex proposed to me, but you weren't there, so I didn't say

Ellic frowned, thinking, "I wasn't there, and she didn't say yes? Why?"

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