Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 304

The day after Christmas, at the Grant Manor, Aaron came to visi after Declan’s lunch break to play chess with him.

When Aaron entered the hall, he found that only his teacher, Delan Grant, was around–who was also Diana’s father. Declan, a law professor, was a son–in–law by marriage, while his wife, Diana’s mother, came from one of the wealthiest families in the area.

Diana’s mother was an only child, and the couple had a great relationship. Despite the wealth and influence of her family. they had never insisted on changing the children’s last names.

Even the manor still carried Declan’s surname, a fact that had been a well–known and often talked–about story in high society for years.

Declan greeted Aaron warmly and invited him to sit at the antique tea table, setting up a chessboard.

Aaron chatted with Declan, and not even a single game was finished before Diana, still in her pajamas, went down the stairs. Seeing Aaron, she quickly turned and headed back upstairs.

A few minutes later, Diana returned, fully dressed and looking impeccable.

“When did you get here, Aaron?” Diana asked, sitting at the tea table and toying with the black pieces in the chess set.

Aaron glanced at her and made his move on the board. “Just several minutes ago.”

“You made the wrong move. You should have played the corner first, not started with the edge,” Diana said, reaching for the black piece Aaron had just placed.

Before she could touch the piece, Aaron grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Keep quiet while watching the game.”

Declan shook his head, feeling amused. “Only you, Aaron, would have the patience to put up with her.”

Diana chuckled and pulled her hand back. “What are you talking about, Dad? It’s me putting up with him, not the other way around. You two can keep playing your boring game. I’m going to get something to eat.” She stood up and left.

Aaron tightened his grip on the black piece in his hand, staring blankly at the chessboard.

He was thinking if Harold hadn’t passed away, Ellie might have been like Diana, cozying up to her father, playfully helping him with his chores, teasing him while handing him the broom to sweep the yard.

Just then, a scream echoed from the kitchen, breaking his thoughts. Aaron stood up immediately.

you okay?” Aaron asked, rushing into the kitchen. The countertop was a mess. A fruit knife was lying on the floor, and Diana was holding her hand, sobbing and

fingertip, where a small cut from the knife formed. He frowned and said, “Go find a band–aid and wrap it up. I’ll take care of the rest here.”

small first–aid kit. “Help me

seriously, “Honestly, that little cut will

her finger toward him. “If you know it’ll be fine in a minute,

Wed, Feb 12

Chapter 304

Aaron sighed,

against the countertop, watching Aaron’s sharp features with a teasing smile. “Aaron, what would you think if I asked you to

moment and replied coolly,

closer with a playful smile. “Aren’t you interested

first–aid kit and turning to clear the counter. Diana, not ready to give up,

not suited for discussing topics like this,” Aaron said, his

picking up the first–aid kit and walking out of the kitchen. Aaron followed her

Declan said that since the rest of the family was out, he needed someone to

Diana

Declan stopped him. “Wait, I’ll have

and soon enough, one

drive, she didn’t make a fuss about it. She simply

than half an hour later, Diana parked the car by the curb. “I

to look at Diana. “For the record, I’m not holding onto Haley,

out the window, huffed in a playful but proud way. “Oh? What else do you want to say?”

sighed, his tone softening. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I didn’t mean

“If you weren’t mad at me, why are you

seatbelt, pushing him out of the car. “Take it slow, okay?” Aaron said before

the rearview mirror and saw Aaron standing there, looking at her with a concerned expression. She muttered

days later, Diana invited Ellie and Lacey out for lunch. Ellie was the last to arrive. As soon as she sat down, Diana leaned over with a grin. “Come on,

glanced at Lacey, who sat across from her, then turned back to Diana.

things go between Aaron and Haley before they broke up?”

hand, “I know! Haley was planning to introduce Aaron to her parents

Feb 12