Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 31

Alex had come in angry, only to find out that Haley had returned the necklace to him.

“She gave it back to you. Why don’t you ask her? Why are you asking me?” Ellie said, looking up at him.

Alex’s grip on Ellie’s chin tightened. “You were crying about how the bracelet I gave you was just a freebie, right? You’re just trying to get this necklace. If you wanted it, just tell me instead of complaining to Haley! He suddenly let go of Ellie.

Losing her balance, Ellie stumbled back until she hit the counter. Her eyes turned red, but she stubbornly held back her tears–she couldn’t shoot back because she was so poor.

“Whether it’s a freebie or not, I don’t want it. I didn’t say anything to Haley–you can believe it or not, it’s up to you,” she said, struggling to meet his gaze.

soggy bowl of noodles. He picked it up casually. “So

and of course she was upset. But to Alex, her feelings

just because you and your brother went to school and met a

like this and buy the cheapest trinket rings. Don’t ever dream. of things that are out of your reach,”

last chance. Are you going to come home with me, or do you want to

“Ellie, I’m giving you live

matter how poor he

if you want to mess up your life, go ahead! But stay where you belong and

down the counter. Tears poured out freely, and her cries filled the air. At that moment, she felt thankful for Alex’s harshness, as it

Alex listened to Ellie’s uncontrollable sobs his eyes reddening. He clenched his teeth and muttered, “Ellie, if you just come after

stopped, but she never came out to