Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Aaron wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and pushed away Ellie. Don't worry, I'm fine."

Meanwhile, Layton stepped in front of Alex. "Did you really come here to give Ellie a car? Why are you two already fighting?"

A cart That's when Ellie noticed the brand-new car keys tightly gripped in Alex's hand.

Haley, overhearing Layton, focused intently on Alex's hand, where the keys shone. A seed of doubt planted in her mind began to grow and flourish.

Ever since Haley had stumbled upon that scene in the hospital between Alex and Ellie, her gaze toward Ellie had turned hostile. She held back her feelings, stepping aside quietly without making a fuss, Ales glanced at the keys in his hand, then looked at Ellie beside Aaront

Seeing the protective look in Ellie's eyes. Alex forcefully shoved Layton aside, his irritation boiling over. "Aaron, I know you're not giving up! It's not easy reaching the Owens family, and now you don't want to let g

"It was Haley who twisted her ankle in high heels. Aaron just happened to help her to the hospital! Ellie stood in front of Aaron, explaining to Alex while casting a wary glance over at Haley, who was standing off to the side, completely unfazed.

Aaron had only meant well, and now he was being misunderstood and dragged into an argument. Yet, Haley stood there, not saying a word.

Alex glared at Ellic, gritting his teeth, frustration boiling in his eyes. He could almost punch her, but he ultimately directed his anger back at Aaron "Aaron, remember this: Haley is with me now. If you dare to meddle with her again. I swear I'll make you wish you hadn't! In contrast to Alex's rage, Aaron remained calm. "I appreciate your warning, but let me remind you, everything has consequences. You'd better think before you act, Alex"

Aaron's words were layered, and they didn't sit well with Alex. He stepped forward, anger surging. "Anyone can warn me, but you-definitely not!"

As Alex's clenched fists prepared for a figli. Layton quickly moved between them, trying to diffuse the uation. "Hey, this is all a misunderstanding! How about you both just take a step back?"

Haley, who had remained silent until then, limped over. In front of the siblings, slie cozied up to Alex and locked her arm with his, her gaze

nishing on Aaron. "Auron, what are you doing? You know Alex's temper. If you just walk away, nothing will happen

Ellie was in disbelief as she watched Haley. Just after breaking up with Aaron, she had the audacity to defend Alex in from of him.

Aaron had been kind enough to help Haley, and not a word of gratitude came from her. Even when Alex threatened Aaron, Haley didn't bother to speak up in Aaron's defense.

With worry in her eyes for Aaron, Ellie caught Aaron's gaze as he gave her a reassuring look before turning back to Haley. "I guess time really does reveal a lot."

Haley's expression was chaotic, her face shifting from pale to flushed as she subconsciously tightened her grip on Alex's arm.

Maybe it was guilt, or maybe it was pride: Haley suddenly snapped at Aaron "Aaron, I know you think you're so much better than me because of your education, but don't come here trying to outwit me with your fancy work! You're broke and have nothing! What gives you the right to act all high and mightynoveldrama

A small crowd had gathered, murmuring among themselves. Aaron clenched his fists, the look in his eyes toward Haley more unfamiliar than ever. Feeling a pang of sympathy for Aaron struggling to keep his cool, Ellie shot back, "Haley, enought Aaron only helped you because you got hurt! Who do you think you are? You're not so special that Aaron would fall head over heels for you!

"Haley, what do you have to be so proud of besides your money? Is it your terrible character!"

Haley's face turned pale instantly as she retorted, "Ellie, how dare you slander me like that?"

Ellie didn't hold back. "You know what you've done! Do you really want me to expose all your dirty secrets in front of everyone?"

Ellie was done holding back! She hadn't wanted Aaron to know that Haley had been lying and betraying him from the star. She feared it would

hurt him even more,

But Haley had gone too fart How could she behave so shamelessly and yet act so innocent?

Haley released Alex's arm, her legs trembling as she staggered back. I only broke up with Aaron! What do I have to be ashamed of? Ellie, after all these years of friendship, even if you're mad at me for not forgiving you, you can't just slander me like that!" Once close friends, they had now come to a bitter impasse over their differences. Tears streaming down her face, Haley turned to leave, only to be yanked buck by Alex, Right in front of everyone, he gently wiped her tears away,

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His gaze was firm yet tender as he looked at Haley. "Haley, listen to me. No matter what they say, I won't believe a word of it. They might be poor spirit as well as in wealth, and they're not worth a single tear from you!" Haley cried as she threw herself into Alex's arms.

Ellie hit her lip, watching as Alex embraced Haley, comforting her with patience. Her vision blurred, and for the first time, she understood that a heart already shattered could still hurt this much.

"Let's go," Aaron said, noticing more and more people gathering and wanting to avoid escalating things. He pulled Ellie along.

"Stop Alex's cold voice cut through the crowd, halting them.

"Don't mind him, Aaron continued walking, pulling Ellie to the other side of the street.

Alex released Haley and swiftly caught up with Elle, gripping her shoulder to force her to stop.

"Apologize to Haley!" His warning gaze was locked onto Ellie's tear-streaked face.

Aaron furrowed his brow, shirding Ellie behind him. "Alex, don't go too farf

Alex met Aaron's challenging eyes. "Out of nowhere, you slander my girl? Today, she has to apologize!"

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Ellie broke free from Aaron's hold and stepped forward. I stand by every word I've said. Haley knows the truth about whether I've slandered her or not. I won't apologize

Alex let out a cold laugh his scornful gaze sliding between Ellie and Aaron. "Well, it looks like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, not one decent person in this family!" "Alex" Aaron grabbed Alex's collar with a fierce look that spoke of warnings never uttered before. "Take back what you just said!"

Alex clunched Aaron's collar in return, cocky as ever. "Did I say something wrong!

"If it weren't for your parents shamelessly shoving Ellie into our family, if they hadn't kneeled to my grandfather begging for help for your family. would you two have today?" 2/2