Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Upon hearing that Haley had once saved Alex, Layton coudn't help but frown. "When did that happen?"

Alex's gaze wandered to the distant river as he spoke quietly, "Years ago, I was kidnapped. If Haley hadn't risked everything to save me, I'd have died. in the hands of those kidnappers."

Layton was confused. "Since that's the case, why didn't you act sooner instead of trying to take her from Aaron!"

Alex looked away. "I just happened to recognize her by accident."

"Since you've decided to commit yourself, then treat Haley well," Layton smirked slightly and forcefully pulled Alex towards the overpass. "After all, you're not Ellie's real brother. Let her return to the Thompson family, and it's better for both of you," Alex, tightened his grip on the broken emerald and stayed silent.

Time flew by, reaching March, the season of renewal. Everyone was busy with their own lives, and no one's leaving made any major impact on anyone che

In a super luxurious private room at the Earl Hotel's club, Lacey said to Haley. "When you and your husband move into the new house, remember In call me. I come and help

Haley looked cautiously at Alex. He just scrolled through his phone, not drinking or chatting. She unconsciously tightened her grip on her glass of juice.

As everyone was looking at her, Haley smiled and explained, "Alex wasn't happy with t redo it, so we'll probably have to wait a bit longer

the interior design and plans to swatch to another company to

Layton held his wine glass and laughed as he joined the conversation. "I recall that you ve already changed three renovation companies for that new house"

Halley forced a smile. It had been about half a year since she got engaged to Alex, and most couples would already be living together by now.

But Alex didn't seem interested in that at all. Not only that, over the past few months, he'd gone through three top renovation companies, always finding something wrong with each one

Even without giving it too much thought. Haley could tell that Alex's feelings for her had stalled where they were. Although she felt anxious inside. she didn't want to come off as too eager or desperate.

She had himed to Alex several times that they could get more intimate, but Alex seemed to completely miss her signals and never responded.

"Alex just doesn't want to compromise and wants to make sure the renovation is perfect. That way, I can have a comfortable place to live," Halcy said, forcing a couple of casual remarks.

Just then, Lacey, like she had discovered something new, held up her phone for everyone to see. "Wow, Ellie just posted something on Instagram You guys, check it out-the gay next to Ellie is super handsome"noveldrama

"He has such an exotic look." Lacey's hands trembled with excitement. "Ellie is being so sneaky, dating such a handsome guy and not even telling us I need to call her and ask." Lacey dialed Ellie's number right in front of everyone, ben no one answered. "That's great. This way, Ellie will have someone to take care of her while she's abroad, Haley said, unconsciously glancing at Alex again: "Alex, I can't believe Ellie kept her boyfriend a sorrel from you."

Alex casually brushed past Haley and stood up. "You guys chat. I'm going to the restroom"

In the men's bathroom smoking area, Alexchecked Ele's Instagram and found it empty, Frustrated, he left the restroom, bumped into Layton, and asked him for a cigarette.

Layton immediately spotted something off about Alex. After emaring no one was around, Layton whispered "Having a boyfriend is good for Ellie.

Alex shot Layton a fierce glare. "Good my

I Layton raised an eyebrow. 'I think it's fine. You didn't lose anything while Ellie was away. You're already engaged to Haley, and Ellie has a boyfriend

now, You're not her brother, so just leave it alone."

Wochen

"I don't look out for her, she'll be lost forever." Alex let out a heavy sort. His chest rose and fell noticeably, his fare dark with anger. "She's too young to be dating instead of studying. She's so charless that she could be taken advantage of abroad and wouldn't even realize i Alex swore like crazy, as if he wanted to sub Ellie and the guy in the viden. Layton quickly changed the topic. "Let's go have some fun and play a couple of games"

Layton pulled Ales into a private room in the hotel to play cards. After a few rounds, three of them won, leaving Ales as the only loser, "Let me borrow your phone for a call Alex said and took Layton's phone as he got up.

Layton was shuffling the car and gave Alex a look. "You've got your min phone. Why use mine!

"My phone's out of battery," Alex replied casually as he left the room. He quickly found the video le had posted. In the video, there were about six people having dinner. Next to Ellie on the left was woman Alex recognized, a colleague from her time working at Jaslands Hospital.

Alexa ryes were fixed on the guy next to Ellie on the right. The guy was mimicking Ellie's silly actions, almost resting his head on her shoulder.

Alex stood in the hallway, gripping the phone tightly. He tried hard to calm himself, but the turmoil inside him unly grew stronger, making him feel like he could hurt someone.

When Layton saw Alex walk in through the door, he tossed his cards aide and went to thie liquer cabinet to get some drinks Alex put Layton's phone on the card table and dropped onto the sofa like a dead man.

Layton put down his empty glass and stared at Alex, who was hymng on the sofa fiddling with his own phone. Didn't you say your phone was dead? How come you're using it now!"

Alex rugged at the comer of his lips, staying silent as he continued to his phone

Layton glanced down noticing Alex's phone screen. "Why are you checking fights so late at night? Planning in uke Haley abroad for a trip again?"

"Mind your own business, Alex mustered as he sat up, clearly annoyed

On the weekend, at the Warren Manor, Nancy got up early to have brunch with friends only to see Alex wandering around the living mom like he was lost. She asked. "Why are you wandering around so early like you've lost your mind!" Alex slowly walked over, rubbing his nose "Mom, I'm heading to Ameria later with some friends for an auction Do you have anything you'd like me to make to Ellie""

Nancy thought for a moment and replied, "It's too much trouble to fly things there. Just give her some money so she can buy whatever she wants."

Recalling the time by the river, where Ellie looked at him with numb, vacant eyes, Alex lowered his head hiding the emotions in his eyes.

Nancy asked, "In's Haley going with you?"

Alex replied nonchalantly. "It's just a bunch of guys going to wouldn't be convenient for her

As Nancy didn't ask more questions, Alex hesitated before saying, "Mom, it's been a while since you've made the blueberry muffins for Ellie, She said she missed them last time. Why don't you make some for her, and I'll take them to her"" Nancy thought about it and agreed. "Yeah, Elbe loves the blueberry muffins I make. Til whip some up for you to take to her."

That afternoon, when Ellie was at a hospital in Ameria for her exchange program, one of her colleagues came over excitedly, saying. "Dr Thompson, you have to come down quickly, your boyfriend's here Ellie frowned. Boyfriend!

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