Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 231 24 -68%2 “You can strip down to nothing and take a shower, but you can't unbutton those two buttons?" Ellie, frustrated by Alex's lack of cooperation, turned to leave with the intent of walking out. "Cback." Alex finally snapped, unable to hold back any longer. In one swift motion, he yanked off his sleep shirt, exposing his upper body. Ellie glanced at Alex's muscular torso, her gaze cold and impassive. She zeroed in on the wound on his abdomen and opened the first-aid kit. “Ah!” A gut-wrenching scream echoed from the second floor of the Warren Manor, Ellie worked quickly, applying the medication to Alex's wound. Once done, she packed up the medical kit and prepared to leave. Alex lay sidewise on the edge of the bed, his torso still exposed, a bandage wrapped around his waist. The pain was evident as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His eyes burned with fury as he glared at Ellie, gasping for breath. "This wound was for Aaron. Could you at least be a little gentler?" he muttered, wincing. "Don't let the wound get wet until the stitches are out,” Ellie replied calmly, picking up the medical kit and stepping out of Alex's room. Inside the room, Alex remained propped on the bed, his eyes glued to Ellie's retreating figure, unable to look away for a long time. ***** By Monday morning, nearing eleven o'clock, outside the courthouse, Aaron had just stepped out the front entrance with a colleague when he noticed Haley walking toward him from a distance. He nodded at his colleague before they parted ways, heading for the side entrance of the courthouse, where a small strip of greenery lay. Haley, her eyes red from crying, rushed to him and, without warning, grabbed Aaron by his shirt collar, her voice trembling best years. with anger. "Aaron, we've been together for so long, and I gave you my "How could you do this to me? Why did you have to send my brother to prison?" Aaron furrowed his brow, forcibly pushing her away to put sdistance between them. He watched as Haley fell apart in front of him, her tears flowing freely. His expression was serious, and his eyes, once filled with affection, now held nothing but indifference. "Haley," he said flatly, "everyone's youth is their best one. If it weren't for love, who would gamble their youth on an uncertain future? The way we ended was anything but pretty. I've been as civil as I can about this." Haley, her eyes swollen and red, stared at him. In the past, Aaron had been so gentle, always putting her first in everything. But now, he was distant, cold, someone she couldn't even approach anymore. 1/2 Exclusive Profile Ad-Free Extra Check-in Bodge Reading 08:35 Mon, Feb 10 B Chapter 231 68% 'Why hasn't Alex been acting right lately?' she thought to herself her chest tightening. 'And the necklace... I've been hiding it every day. She was on the edge of a complete breakdown. She lunged at Aaron, her hands clawing at him like a madwoman. "This is all your fault!" "When we broke up, why didn't you fight for me? Why didn't you stop me? Why did you letgo?" she screamed at him, desperate. Aaron replied, his voice unwavering. "No matter how much you scream, you and I are done. Please, have sself-respect. "If it weren't for the Owens family paying off the victims and getting that letter of forgiveness, Ethan wouldn't have gotten off with just a life sentence." "Sthings, despite a lack of evidence, let you all slip through the cracks, but I still want to warn you. Watch your step." Aaron finished, turning on his heel and walking away. "Aaron, I hate you! I will never forgive you for this!" Haley cried out, her mind unraveling, trying to chase after him. But Evelyn and other relatives quickly intervened, preventing her from pursuing him further. That night, Ellie dragged Aaron to one of their regular spots, a pasta house they frequented. The two, for once, ordered both a meat and a vegetable dish, along with two plates of pasta. "Aaron, even though Ethan's case is closed, I still worry that the Owens family might try to retaliate against you," Ellie said, her concern not abating now that the case had ended. The Owens family consisted of just Haley and Ethan. Although Ethan had avoided the death sentence with a life sentence, his future was effectively ruined. The Owens family had always been ruthless, and now that they had been bested by Aaron, they weren't likely to let it slide. Aaron, however, seemed unbothered by the possibility. "Don't worry about them. They don't have the resources or the energy to focus on me." "Aaron, if it weren't for Ms. Grant that night, things could've gone differently," Ellie said, shifting the subject. "When you have sfree time, let's invite Ms. Grant out for a meal." Aaron frowned at the mention of Diana. He really didn't want to think about her right now. He looked as reluctant as if someone had a gun to his head, nodding slightly. “Okay." Ellie grabbed two glasses and a bottle of beer. "Anyway, the victim's family received compensation, and the bad guys got what they deserved. Aaron, let's have a drink." 2/2