Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Just as Alex was losing his

Shakki -Fallowing

Not interested

Ellie walked in. Alex was about to follow her in, but Aaron blocked him. "Goodbye, Aaron said politely, then closed the door with Alex cutside. Inside the apartment, the siblings heard Ales ranting as he left and exchanged a glance.

Aaron put down the buggage he was holding and asked, "Why were you drinking?"

"Lacey was hosting, so I had a bit to drink. Elle replied. She didn't tell him why she drank so much, nor did she explain why Alex was there.

Aaron's gaze lingered on Ellie for a moment, but he didn't ask anything. Tl make a call. You go pack up your things, and we'll head back home for Christmas later," he instructed.

Ellie went into her room to pack her things while Aaron took his phone to the ring room balcony. Seeing Haley's name on the caller ID, he hesitated for a moment before hanging up.

In the afternoon, the siblings temporarily set aside their worries and happily returned to their hometowns to spend Christmas with their

their parents

On the eighth day of Christmas, Ellie returned to Jaande getting ready to go abroad to continue her studies. Remembering her mom's reminder before getting in the car, she decided to visit the Warren family.noveldrama

Atten in the morning. Ellie arrived at the Warren Manor, surprised to see Haley there, sitting next to Nancy, holding her hand and charming

Opposite them Alex was lounging larily on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Every now and then, he would glance at Haley, and after exchanging a few words, they both broke into smiles

Ellie stood at the door and watched for a while, until the bailer called out, urging her to cheer up "Nancy, I'm here to wish you a happy Christmas she announced.

As soon as Haley saw

her expression changed. Notiring Nancy getting up to greet Ellie. Haley quietly moved to sit next to Alex

Alex glanced at Haley, then casually turned his gaze toward Ellie. She was wearing a thin white down jacket today, her long hair, now with curls. pulled up into a high ponytail. With a sweet senile directed at Nancy, she looked like the perfect angel. As Ellie never looked his way, Alex awkwardly averted his eyes, feeling a bit ignored.

Ellie gave the big red cashmere scarf she bought to Nancy. "Wishing you more youth and beauty with each year," she said warmly

Nancy took the scarf from Ellie and gave her a big warm hug "Oh, my sweethean! I've been looking forward to your visit for dags she exclamed excitedly.

"Where are Toold and Carlos!" Ellie asked, glancing around the living room.

Nancy pulled Ellie to sit beside her. "They've gone out. Let ne introduce someone to you! she while pointing at Haley, who was standing next to Mex, "Ellie, this is Haley, Alex's fiancée.

de reluctantly looked at Haley. Noticing how Haley confidently hooked her arm around Alex's, she smirked. Without much hesitation, Ellie said, Nice to meet you

the knew from this moment on her relationship with Alex was clearly deflayed. She didn't look at his face bun could feel his eyes on her.

fancy happily held Ellie's hand. "We're family now, and you both better get along well."

Don't worry, Nancy. I've known Ellie for many years. I'll definitely treat her like my own sister," Haley said, making Nancy smile widely.

a Ellie stayed silent, Haley pretended to be concerned. "Ellie, I heard from Lacey that you're flying abroad today. What time is your fight Let Alex nd me take you to the airport"

Ilie looked at Haley's insincere face and said calmly, "It's at 5:40 PM"

„eaving so soon?" Nancy held Ellie's hand like she was her own daughter, "I wanted you to come shopping with me to pick out some bedding for jose two lovebirds

Bie laughed it off. "You have a better eye than I do. Everything you choose looks great."

bu definitely know how to sweet talk me" Nancy turned around and slipped a big monetary gift into Ellie's bag Look at Alex-such a laid-back y. Only Haley can keep him in line. Let's have them move out and quickly give me a big grandchild to cuddle"

2

TH TH

"Nancy, Alex and I will co

Ellie didn't want to be an and Todd aren't here. I'm

Interested

Nest interested

don Edie instead

omething. Since Carlos

Nancy walked Ellie all the way to the door, with Haley and Mex following behind. Ellie left the Warren Manor without even glancing at Alex or saying a word to him.

"Alex, let's go see Le off later. Haley held Nancy's hand and turned around, only to find Alex had already gone upstairs.

Ellie returned to her apanment, packed her bags, and then met up with Aaron for lunch.

Aaron was supposed to take her to the airport, but m the afternoon, he visited his college advisor's home for the bolidays. There, he discovered the elderly advisor unconscious and quickly rushed him to the hospital. He ended up waiting for the achisor's children to arrive and couldn't leave.

Ellie had a flight at 540, and she left the house before 4. With some time to spare, she strolled along the riverode promenade beneath the overpass

Standing by the river, Ellie took out an emerald bracelet her mom had given her and called her mom. Being a doctor, Ellie rarely wore any jewelry. During Christmas, her mom give her the bracelet as an early birthday gift, but Ellie initially didn't take it

The bracelet had a story. It was given by her grandfather to her grandmother on their wedding day. Later, her grandmother passed it to Ellie's dad, who then gave it to her mom when they got mamed.

This bracelet was a symbol of her parents turbulem yet busting marriage. Ellie though it was meant for her future sister-in-law. But, her mom secretly gave it to Aaron to pass it on to her.

Thinking she couldn't wear it at work, Ellie pot the emerald bracelet on her wrist after the call ended. The bracelet had her mom's aura, so she decided to keep it with her for the time being. Whenever she felt homesick in a foreign land, it would remind her of home. "Ellic" A familiar voice called our from behind, and Ellie turned around. There stood Haley, looking smug not far away, and Ellie frowned

Haley strutted over to Ellie in her high heels. "Ellie, as you saw today at the Warren Manor, Nancy was really pleased with me. She's been urging us to tie the knot soon, hoping I'll have a cluld for the Warren family" Ellie didn't say a word.

Haley crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at Ellie, ber high heels giving her extra height and authority. If you're smart, you'd better

flatter me

1

"Since we're friends, I might put in a good word for you with Alex's mom. You never know if she's in a good mood, she might make you her goddaughter or something, and then you'd really hurve it made."