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.

A fruit knife was lying on the floor, and Diana was holding her hand, sobbing

formed. He frowned and said, “Go find a band–aid and wrap it up.

small first–aid kit. “Help me with,” she said, placing the kit

a moment, and Aaron spoke seriously, “Honestly, that little cut will heal on its own in a few minutes.

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

Wed, Feb 12

Chapter 304

Aaron sighed,

sharp features with a teasing smile. “Aaron, what would you think if I asked you to date

a moment and replied coolly, “Please don’t

a playful

the counter. Diana, not ready to give up, followed him. “Aaron, are you still holding

like this,” Aaron said, his expression more stern

the first–aid kit and walking out of the kitchen. Aaron followed her out, but by

of the family was out, he needed someone to drink with him. Reluctantly, Aaron agreed to stay for dinner and drink with Declan.

ended, Diana hadn’t come downstairs once.

Declan stopped

insisted, and soon enough, one of

she didn’t make a fuss about it. She simply agreed to drive him home. The entire ride was quiet, with

later, Diana parked the car by the curb. “I won’t come in. You can walk the rest of the way,” she said.

his head to look at Diana. “For the record, I’m not holding onto Haley, and please, don’t joke about things

out the window, huffed in a playful but proud way. “Oh? What else

of me.

tilted her head, smirking mischievously. “If you weren’t mad at me,

was left speechless. Diana chuckled and unbuckled her seatbelt, pushing him out of the

there, looking at

for lunch. Ellie was the last to arrive. As soon as she sat down, Diana leaned over with a grin. “Come on, tell me everything about

glanced at Lacey, who sat across from her, then turned

things go

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

Feb 12 A