Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Ellie couldn't shake off Alex's casual comments as they echoed in her ears. He might not want to boss around Haley, but he had no problem waking her up in the middle of the night to whip up some food for him. Despite her heart feeling heavy with sadness, she couldn't dare to express it. Ellie forced down the tide of emotions swirling inside her as she placed the cooked noodles on the dining table.

Alex asked between slurps of noodles, "Hey, Ellie, what kind of proposal do girls like? Indoor or outdoor? Romantic or cory? Do you think Haley would like fireworks, or should 1 just get her some jewelry instead!"

Ellie kept her head down, vigorously wiping the stove as Alex continued nonchalantly. "I'm not asking you for free advice. When I marry Haley, E'll make you my bridesmaid, and I'll prepare a huge red envelope for you that'll be a sizable gift!" Just make sure you close the door when you leave. I need to get some sleep for work tomorrow, Ellie replied curtly

She stepped out of the kitchen, not waiting for Alex to respond, and locked her bedroom door behind her. Each of his words punctured her heart like daggers

Clutching her chest in pain, Ellie hit her lip to keep the tears from falling, leaning against the door as her body slowly sank down.

Tossing and turning all night, she knew she had to muster up some energy for work the next day, Glancing at the couch, she saw Alex, wrapped in her pink blanket, sleeping soundly. She couldn't help but roll her eyes What an oblivious guy. If Haley saw him here, snuggled up in her blanket, she would definitely give him a piece of her mind!

Time flew by when life got busy. Alex didn't come around for several days, allowing Ellie a rare moment of case.

At midnight, after finishing her shift at the bar, Ellie was called over by Layton. "Ellie, take him home. He's drunk,"

Layton helped Alex stumble out, trying to hand him off to Ellie. She quickly sidestepped. "Don't you dare give him to me" After hesitating, Ellie pulled a bracelet out of her bag and slipped it into Alex's pocket. on the table. She had been trying to find a

Earlier that day, she had gone to work, and Alex had tested her before leaving, saying he left the bracelet on th chance to return it

It was just a simple red string bracelet worth a few bucks; it wasn't something he needed to replace with something expensive.

Layton's keen eyes caught the bracelet Ellie fuad put in Alex's pocket. He grinned and handed her the car keys. "Why don't you drive his car back? Bring it to me at the hotel tansorrow afternoon." Ellie besitated before taking the keys.

The next afternoon, Ellie pulled up to the hotel, spotting Layton and Alex on front from a distance.

As she parked the car, Alex started circling his sports car, looking like he was inspecting it from every angle. "You drove this!!"

Ellie handed him the keys and nodded.

"What the heck?" Alex twisted her earlobe, pointing at the mangled front bumper. "Did you drive with your eyes closed?!" Ellie pulled away from Alex, rubbing her sore car. "It was my first time driving. I'm still learning" she defended herself Layton, chiming in with a teasing tone, said, "As long as you're okay, that's what matters. Just practice more when you can Alex stared at Ellie in silence for a moment before suddenly showing her towards the car. "Get in

"I have to get to work! Where are you taking me?" She crossed her arms, refusing to budge

"To buy a cart" he declared.

The moment Ellie heard Alex wanted to buy her a car, she pushed him away and turned on her heel to run. She didn't want anything from him- not even a car. With her paycheck, she wouldn't even be able to afford insurance. Watching Ellie dart off like a scared puppy, Layton chuckled, "Wow, Alex, you're pretty generous with her."

Alex's expression darkened as he turned his gaze away. "The Warren family's wealth is either for me or for her. What's the problem?"

Layton raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful look that said, "You have issues" He then pulled out something from his pocket. "Check this out. Is this yours?"

Wex snatched the bracelet from Layton's hand. "How did you get this?"

1/2

"Ellie slipped it into your pocket when you were drunk. I just kept it safe for you until you could claim it," Layton said.

Leaning in closer, Layton lowered his voice dramatically. "Going all out like this... Is she really like a sister to you?"

Alex shot Layton a fierce glare. "Quit yapping and come with me to check out some cars,"

It was afternoon when Ellie was at work. Alex sent her several photos of sports cars, asking which one she liked best. Ellie politely turned them all down.

She couldn't even afford a regular car, let alone a flashy sports car. Besides, Alex was the kind of guy who showered you with gilts when he was happy but would hold a grudge that could hurt to the bone when he was angry. She still remembered that time he pointed at her forehead, demanding she repay him for his favors

Finally, after a long wait, it was quitting time. Elle packed her things and headed out,

y in his arms.

"What are you doing, Aaron Ellie said as she spotted Aaron, approaching the elevator, carrying Haley

Haley immediately looked awkward upon seeing Ellie, quickly diverting her gaze and not saying a word. They both understood the unspoken rule; Ellie wouldn't break the silence either,

explained. "TII help her catch a cab."

"A little accident, she hun her foot. Lucky I ran into her, so I'm just taking her to the hospital" Aaron expli

Ellie stepped into the elevator with Aaron. She knew his personality well; even if it was a stranger in need, he'd be the first to help. And with Haley having been in a relationship with him for over two years, it was even more likely. What Aaron didn't know was how much Haley had done behind his back. In fact, he felt a pang of guilt towards her, always believing he wasn't doing enough to deserve someone like her.

As the three of them exited the hospital, Aaron continued to carry Haley to the e

curb to catch a cals, while Ellie walked closely beside him.

"Hey Alex, look over there!" Layton's voice rang out as he sported the trio by the roadside and slowly parked the car.

Alex followed Layton's gaze and saw Aaron openly carrying Haley while Ellie was right there, too!

Unbuckling his seatbelt, Alex jumped out of the car and headed toward them, while Layton hurriedly got out, sensing trouble brewing

Haley caught sight of Alex approaching and quickly wriggled out of Aaron's arms.

"What's going on?" Aaron asked, concerned as he steadied Haley. Suddenly, Alex charged up, swinging a fist right at him!

"Aaron" Ellie gasped in shock, watching as Aaron staggered back from Alex 1 punch. She rushed to stand in front of Aaron. "Alex, what the hell are you doing?" Ellie yelled, her voice filled with confusion and anger.noveldrama

2/2