Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 221

Chapter 221

*13)

Nancy and Todd exchanged a look, both utterly stunned. Their disbelief was written all over their faces.

Layton cast a sympathetic glance in Alex’s direction before quickly dropping his head, wanting no part of the escalating drama.

Alex’s emotions were at a breaking point. His eyes were tinged red, the veins in his neck visibly pulsing. Without realizing it, his hands gripped Ellie’s shoulders tightly as though trying to anchor himself.

He bent slightly forward, bringing himself to her eye level, their gazes locking in a tense standoff.

For the first time, Alex attempted to explain himself. “That time, it was…”

“Don’t you dare call it an accident,” Ellie interrupted, her voice sharp and unyielding. “You knew I couldn’t swim, Alex. Not only did you refuse to save me, but you didn’t even give me a chance to explain myself, did you?”

Her words hit him like a sledgehammer. Alex felt a painful squeeze in his chest, leaving him momentarily breathless. “Ellie…” He wanted to explain himself, but no matter how desperately he searched for the right words, they wouldn’t come.

happen?” Nancy’s voice broke

released Ellie, taking a

face with a resounding

didn’t respond with his usual fiery outburst. Instead, he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his red–rimmed eyes

apple bobbed as he struggled to speak, but no words came. The silence was suffocating. Nancy, her expression filled with worry, grabbed Ellie’s hand tightly and pointed an accusing

is not my sister,” Alex snapped, his voice rising with frustration. “I’ve told you before, and I’ll say it again. She never

stepped forward, spreading her arms to block his

rage that seemed ready to consume everything in its path. Yet Ellie didn’t back down. “You need to promise, right here and

me?!” Alex’s anger exploded as his hand shot out, grabbing her

wasn’t me!”

his, unwavering and filled with determination. “It was you, Alex. No one else would be capable of something

volatile stalemate, neither willing to back down.

as she screamed, “Why are you so stubborn? I would rather not

alarming shade of gray as he pointed at Alex. “I don’t care if

Sun, 9

Chapter 221

safety is your responsibility. If anything happens to him, you’ll answer to me!”