Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 29

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Even though Haley knew the ring was a gift from Aaron, she was indifferent as she chased it around the hall. Ellie realized how naive she had been, and it was all so ironic.

Aaron gently wiped away Ellie’s tears. “Ellie, if you’re more sad than happy, it’s time to walk away,” he said. “You know life’s ups and downs. Breakups aren’t the end of the world.

“I can get another ring, find someone else, but losing the courage to face challenges is the real loss.

“Never feel inferior. Self–respect is your inner strength. If that person isn’t in your heart, they can’t hurt your self–respect.” Ellie hugged Aaron tightly, crying. She had meant to comfort him, but he ended up comforting her. “Aaron, I’ll listen to We’ll work hard together, and we won’t let other things get to us,” she said.

As long as she could erase Alex from her mind and seal her heart again, she wouldn’t feel the pain anymore.

and she knew Aaron probably couldn’t either. Aaron had given up a well–paying side job and used all his savings to buy the ring for Haley, even avoiding public

her sake.

spoke lightly about it, but Ellie knew he must have been hurting. Yet, responsibilities kept him from giving

Haley and met her at the corner outside

Haley, her voice sounding hoarse, said. “It’s really sunny out here. Get in the car

between them. Ellie stood by the car door. not

and paused, “Ellie, I tried calling Aaron, but he said he’s busy and wouldn’t meet me.

hesitated, “Haley, about Alex…”

parents don’t want me with Aaron. They’ve been trying to set me up with Alex.

have a ring. I’m really confused and don’t know how to talk

saying Alex has

met, Haley