Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Ellie followed Joanna out of the room. Alex trailed behind his parents, who had already entered the living room. After everything that happened. the reunion of the two families felt a bit awkward, especially for Alex's parents. Having not seen each other for over half a month, Alex's left ring finger was still bandaged. He wore black trousers with a white turtleneck sweater. topped with a long black trench coat, giving him a more mature look. His face was serious, and his eyes, fixed on Ellie, showed a mix of emotions churning inside him. For more than half a month, he had been on the edge of madness, staying away from her

Unable to hold back any longer, he followed her from a distance, watching her closely. But she seemed as troubled as ever. The urge to rush forward and hug her tightly grew stronger; Alex fought hard to control the impulse to approach her. "Larry, do you see how Alex looks at Ellie? Doesn't it seem a bit strange?" Diana whispered to Lacey as they leaned against the doorframe of Ellie's bedroom

Lacey, with her captivating eyes, quietly observed Alex before pulling Diana back. "I've seen that look before. It's the kind of gaze men give before going to bed with a woman in dramas"

Lacey continued, "I heard Aaron say before that Alex has feelings for someone but can't tell anyone, could it be Ellie?"

"Impossible," Diana quickly replied. "If he really liked her, would he treat her like that?"

Lacey countered. "What's impossible? He's unpredictable, and his mindset is different from anyone else's."noveldrama

Diana nodded, reminded by Lacey. "You might be right, but Alex isn't good enough for Ellie. We should find someone better for Ellie another time."

Let's step outside and see: Diana said, grabbing a stool and pulling Lacey along to watch the unfolding drama

The living room was modestly sized, with one long and one short sofa. Joanna sat in the short one, while Alex's parents took the long sofa. When loa

Joanna say

saw Alex, standing tall and stiff like a pillar, she politely encouraged him to take a seat.

Alex glanced at Ellie, noticing her standing quietly behind Joanna, hesitant to step forward, Just then, the front door swung open, and Aaron walked in. He took in the scene, changed his shoes for slippers, and made his way over.

As Diana adjusted her stool to sit closer, she scanned the room and realized there were no other spots available, making a face as she set her stool down. She tapped it, tugging at Aaron's part leg

Aaron looked down and briefly made eye contact with Diana. After a grateful nod, he settled down beside the coffee table.

"We'll watch from here, Lacey said, pulling Diana back toward Ellie's bedroom door,

"Feel free to speak, but I still need to cook," Joanna said, her attitude becoming clear.

Nancy awkwardly rummaged through her bag, pulling out two cards and placing them on the coffee table. Joanna, under any can't accept Mr. Thompson's death bencht

circumstances, We

Narry glanced at her son, tien continued helplessly, "The Thompson family don't owe us anything, it's us who are in your debt. My husband and I didn't come to intrude-we only want to express our feelings. "We simply want

want to give Ellie a bit of compensation, and I hope you'll accept it

We've said enough. We return the money to seek a peaceful life. From now on, please don't come back," Joanna replied, her tone calm but firm. Nancy lowered her head, offering her son to Joanna. Joanna, I understand your pain; this scoundrel is right here. Feel free to scold him as you

Alex slowly knelt before Joanna, his voice chuking with emotion. "Mrs. Thompson, Ellie deeply Please, gler for a chance to make things right. I truly see my mistakes!

my fault. I am responsible for Mr. Thompson's fate. I hurt

i patted his shoulder, not shouting at him, her tone surprisingly calm. There's no need for compensation, please don't come back here again.

o stood silently behind Joanna. He waited for

Her words delivered a hard truth to Alex. His throat tightened painfully as he looked up at Ellle, who

what felt like forever, but Ellie didn't look at him.

The air in the living room felt heavy, and everyone wore uncomfortable expressions.

Unable to take the silence anymore, Nancy stood up to look at Ellie, her eyes filled with tears. "Ellie, please accept the money.

Ellie shook her head with indifference. Joanna had brought Harold's death benefit to the Warren family to take her away. All of that had been to ensure she and Aaron could live peacefully and unobtrusively from then on. Seeing Ellie refuse, Nancy offered the card to Aaron. But Aaron wouldn't let Nancy speak further and quickly pushed the card back to her.

He said. "We repay the money to clear our debts entirely, while you insist we take the card just to ease your conscience. But the damage is done; no amount of money can fix what has happened. "If you truly want t

to make amends, then give us the gift of a peaceful life.

His words made the tension in the room clear; Alex's parents could no longer stay and stood up to leave. Joanna, I'm so sorry." Nancy repeatedly apologized

Ellie, dark with

"I will show you out," Aaron said, opening the door. Alex's parents left with terrible faces. Alex remained where he was, his gaze on Elli sorrow, lost in a world of pain. Inside, a wave

a wave of regret and turmoil threatened to drown him. He tried to find his voice, but just before he could call out Ellie's name, she had already walked back into the room.

Once, she had been by his side day and night, and he had never appreciated her. Now, wanting to see her one last time felt like an impossible dream

Lacey asked. "Ellie, does Alex like you? From the moment he walked in, that look he gave was oddly affectionate. As soon as Ellie entered the room, Diana quickly shut the door, and Lacey nudged her with curiosity. Ellie looked at her two gossiping friends, pursing her lips. "His eyes show affection even for dogs."

Alex's eyes, with their long, deep shape and slightly upturned outer corners, held a deep and sincere quality when looking at someone. In happier moments, they sparkled with mischief and charm.

When Ellie was younger, whenever she accidentally met Alex's gaze, she would unknowingly be captivated by its depth. Now, looking back, she realized how naive that infatuation had been "Ellie, does Alex really like you?"

Hearing Diana's question brought Ellie back to the present. "I've had enough bad luck already, please don't curse me further, Ellie replied, opening the door and inviting her friends out to dinner.