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 you don’t want the ring? Are you

of course she was upset. But to Alex, her feelings didn’t matter.

think that just because you and your brother went to school and met a few rich people, you can change your social status,”

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

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

said, “Ellie, I’m giving you

replied, “No matter how poor he is, he’s still my

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

body slowly sliding down the counter. Tears poured out freely, and her cries

his eyes reddening. He clenched his teeth and muttered, “Ellie,

for a long time, waiting until her sobbing stopped, but she never came out to apologize. Turning on his