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.

He picked it up casually. “So you don’t want the ring? Are you upset about

felt bitter. Last night had been tough, and of course she was upset. But to Alex, her feelings didn’t matter.

just because you and your brother went to school and met a few rich people,

if you work your whole lives, you’re only fit to eat junk like this and buy the cheapest trinket rings. Don’t ever dream. of things that are out of your

come home with me, or do you want

leaving, Alex said, “Ellie, I’m giving you live in

matter how poor

But stay where you belong and don’t come around to gross me out,” Alex said, slamming the door behind

freely, and her cries filled the air. At that moment, she felt thankful for Alex’s harshness, as it pushed her

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

there for a long time, waiting until her sobbing stopped, but she never came