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.

eyes falling on the soggy bowl of noodles. He picked it up casually.

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

and your brother went to school and met a few rich

only fit to eat junk like this and buy the cheapest trinket rings. Don’t ever dream. of things that are out of your reach,” he continued and dropped the bowl into

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

“Ellie, I’m

poor he is, he’s still

you belong and don’t come around to gross me

slowly sliding 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 pushed her heart farther away from him.

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

waiting until her sobbing stopped, but she never