Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Ellie and Aaron glanced at each other before turning around.

Let’s go say hello, Aaron said, his voice steady.

Ellie followed him into the hall, trying to ignore the curious stars, She forced a smile at Haley and said, “Happy Birthday.”

Haley’s face fell, and she asked. “What are you guys doing here?

Ellie looked away, feeling awkward. Then she turned to Aaron.

Aaron stayed calm. I was just here to get my belongings and wanted to say hi,” he explained, his tone slightly restrained. He didn’t mention their relationship or point out Haley’s discomfort. Instead, he politely greeted Haley’s parents.

curt nod, clearly not genuine.

Tve got to go. I

of

help but feel surprised. On the way, she had been sure that Haley

them started whispering, some recognizing the siblings, others not.

Aaron said, pulling her away and turning

Ellie fr

her back. She knew who it was, but she didn’t

you came all this way and didn’t bring

with worry, Alex was pushing through the crowd, and Ellie felt a wave/ of anxiety. It seemed like Alex wasn’t

his eyes stern. This is between me and

stood her ground. “That’s my brother. I’m not moving

locked as Alex reached for Ellie’s wrist, trying to pull her away, but Aaron quickly grabbed her other arm. “Alex, let go of my sister,” he said, his tone

a sister? My family raised her for

the crowd murmured.