Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 2

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Ellie, unable to bear the intensity of Alex’s stare, lowered her head. Tm sorry, but I need to get back to work, she said softly. With a sharp movement, Alex tossed the phone aside and left, the door slamming in his wake.

In the aftermath of Alex’s exit, Ellie rushed to the changing room, seeking solace in privacy. She couldn’t believe that after three years apart, he had come to her, asking for help in pursuing her best friend. Her heart felt shattered, more so than the screen of her broken phone.

However, his anger was the least of her concerns–Haley Owens was her brother Aaron’s girlfriend. They were in love, even planning to move forward. Alex’s request was a betrayal she couldn’t fathom.

At 5:30 PM. Ellie clocked out, ready to head home. As she walked to her car, she spotted Alex leaning against his sleek silver sports car in the temporary parking area outside the hospital. He looked sharp, his dirty blonde hair glinting in the sunlight.

Feeling a bit self–conscious in her faded jeans, Ellie quickened her pace.

But Alex’s voice called out, “Don’t you see me?”

Before she could respond, he playfully ushered her into the car.

During the drive, he bombarded her with questions about Haley. The two families had been close for years, and Alex knew Haley well. It was strange–he used to barely acknowledge her, but now he seemed genuinely interested. What had changed?

When they arrived, Ellie snapped back to reality as Alex opened the passenger door.

He finally noticed her red, puffy eyes. “What happened? Your eyes look rough. If someone’s bothering you, just let me know. Ellie felt flustered and quickly brushed off his concern, pushing his hand away. “It’s nothing, really. Just some work stress.” Alex playfully poked her forehead. “I told you med school would be tough! You should’ve listened to me

! You show

His poke was a bit too firm, and Ellie instinctively tilted her head away, trying to shake off the moment.

Alex looked at Ellie, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and frustration. “Just look at you,” he said, a smirk on his face. “Let’s go grab some food. He turned and headed toward a nearby restaurant without waiting for her response.

Ellie hesitated, her feet firmly planted. “I’m on a diet, so I don’t eat at night,” she murmured, barely audible.

Her mom had always warned her that accepting favors could make you feel indebted. Even though she hadn’t chosen to join the Warren family, she was determined not to be a burden.

here, but it was clear he

years, a quiet crush she never intended to reveal. If she did, it would turn her private story into a messy drama. Ironically, the girl Alex

Just kee

arm.

company while I eat, and afterward, I’ll take you out for some fun, Alex said, reaching out to gently tug at her

stepped back. I really should head home. I have work early

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Fri, Jan 24

Chapter 2

for the morning, and as his assistant, Ellie needed to be well–rested and ready. Plus, she knew Alex’s invitation was really about impressing Haley.

twice, Alex’s expression darkened. He pressed his lips together and fixed

heavy, Lillie couldn’t meet Alex’s intense gaze, feeling the weight of his attention pressing

glanced up at the sky. Let’s go. We can talk at

stood her ground, watching him leave. Taking a deep breath, she called out, “I rented a place

though the Warren family

in the poor village, with a father who couldn’t walk, a mother who couldn’t read, and a brother

she secretly applied to an out–of–town college and left the Warren family, she had no intention of going back. And when he mentioned talking at home, she knew it was about

and approached her slowly. Ellie instinctively clenched her hands, feeling the tension in

me,” he

trying to keep her composure.

him uneasy and

lashes fluttered as she stammered, “It’s not…

forming. “Hiding a guy, are

quickly. “No, I’m not hiding anyone. It’s just closer to

Ellie rubbed the sore spot with her hand. They stood face to face on the sidewalk, Ellie looking down like a kid caught

lease and come back home, or I swear I’ll make you regret it.”

forced a bitter smile,

straight up, why won’t you back me

whoever you want,” she finally said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. She just couldn’t be the one