Chapter 102
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Since Alex was at the door, he had been watching Ellie. He walked straight to the empty seat next to her and sat down.
Ellie kept her head down and stayed silent, yet she could feel Alex looking at her. But she wasn’t intending to greet him. Neither of them took the initiative to say hello, and the atmosphere was inexplicably awkward.
Layton’s curious eyes darted between Ellie and Alex before he cheekily said, “Alex, is your and Haley’s new house almost finished with the renovations? When are you planning to move in?”
Alex slowly narrowed his eyes in a warning, while Layton had a playful look in his eyes. The two locked eyes across the table, and Alex said, “Soon.” As he spoke, his gaze drifted back to Ellie.
Ellie kept her head down, gripping the cup tightly, trying hard to suppress the emotions she couldn’t show.
Just then, Haley arrived. Lacey quickly stood up to greet her, “Haley, we’re just waiting on you.”
Ellie stayed quietly in her seat, not even looking up to acknowledge Haley’s arrival. Their relationship had reached this point, and she didn’t want to pretend.
When Haley walked in and saw Alex sitting with Ellie, her expression visibly stiffened. Since Alex showed no intention of getting up, she had to sit on his other side.
As the waiter brought their food, Lacey asked, “Haley, when is your wedding with Alex happening?”
Haley smiled at Alex, finally settling her gaze on Ellie. “I’m not in a rush. But by then, I’ll have you and Ellie as my bridesmaids,” she said.
‘How could she be so hypocritical?‘ Ellie felt a surge of sarcasm.
Layton joked with a laugh, “You may not be in a hurry, but someone else is. Alex can’t wait to move in with you.”
As Layton teased and Haley responded bashfully, Ellie worked hard to maintain her composure.
Lacey stood up to pour Ellie some juice and finally noticed something was wrong. “Ellie, you don’t look well. Are you okay?”
Ellie shook her head, about to speak, but Haley stood up and said, “It’s all my fault. Yesterday, I spoke to Ellie too harshly. See, she’s ignoring me today.”
Layton glanced over at Alex again. Alex was fiddling with a metal lighter, his thoughts clearly concealed behind a calm demeanor.
Haley smiled, “Ellie, everyone knows me–I’m straightforward and speak my mind. I didn’t mean anything by my tone yesterday, so don’t take it to heart. It’s my fault, I’m sorry.”
Seeing Ellie ignore her, Haley raised her glass. “From now on, were family, right, Ellie? No hard feelings, okay?”
Ellie kept quiet while Haley’s words made her seem petty. “I don’t drink,” Ellie said calmly. Their issues wouldn’t be smoothed over with just a couple of drinks.
Haley came over, poured a drink, and handed it to Ellie. “Ellie, I’ve already apologized. It’s just a few words; you’re not really going to hold a grudge, are you?”
Ellie sat still, not getting up. “I wouldn’t say I’m holding a grudge I just have to go back home with Aaron for Christmas
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Chapter 102
tonight, so I’m not drinking.”
Haley insisted, “Ellie, even if you won’t see things my way, at least think about Alex’s feelings. I’ve already apologized. Can’t we move on as a family?”
Ellie forced a smile. Even though she had lived with the Warren family for over a decade, Alex never treated her like she was part of the family. Deep down, she had never considered the Warren Manor to be her home either.
Haley awkwardly glanced at everyone, reaching out to pull Ellie closer with one hand while handing her a drink with the
other.
“I said I’m not drinking,” Ellie snapped, shoving Haley away.
Haley screamed as she tossed the drink aside and looked at Alex. Half of the red wine splashed onto Ellie, and the rest stained Haley’s dress.
“Ellie!” Alex pulled Haley to his side, grabbing Ellie’s wrist and yanking her out of the chair. “Haley’s trying to make peace with you by humbling herself and offering you a drink. Aren’t you going to appreciate that?”
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