Chapter 27
Aaron remained composed. Ellie away.
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Atex you’re right. I haven’t been the best brother. I’ll do better. Excuse us,” he said, then guided
Perhaps it was Aaron’s calm demeanor or Ellie’s silence that set Alex off. He lunged for Ellie’s shoulder, but Aaron swiftly blocked him. The crowd gasped as the two began to grapple.
“Alex!” Layton stepped in, pulling them apart. Ellie held back Aaron, while Haley stood with her parents, not getting involved.
Alex shoved Layton aside, pointing at Aaron. “Aaron, you’ve been waiting for Haley’s birthday. You must have a gift for her, right?”
Aaron glanced at Haley, but she quickly turned away. “It’s none of your business,” he said.
Alex’s eyes narrowed, focusing on the thin pocket of Aaron’s slacks. Before Aaron could finish, Alex’s men were right in front of him. Sensing Alex’s move, Aaron only defended, backing away
Ellie clenched her fists, her heart pounding. She knew what was in Aaron’s pocket: the engagement ring he’d chosen for Haley.
“Hey, why do those two always argue?” Layton casually asked Ellie.
Ellie forced a smile.
Seeing her silence, Layton added, “Haley’s parents are watching. We can’t let them keep fighting. Who’s your pick? I’ll help that one.”
Ellie nodded quickly. Thanks, Layton.”
The fight turned into a chaotic three–way struggle. Layton attacked Aaron, giving Alex a chance to grab something from Aaron’s pocket.
Aaron tried to react, but Layton blocked him. The item flew into the air and landed with a thud on the floor; a ring rolled out of the small box.
Ellie looked at Layton in disbelief as he scratched his head sheeshly. Her eyes welled up with anger and regret, Layton and Alex were old friends.
knowing
The ring rolled to a woman’s feet. She picked it up, examined it, and laughed. “I thought it was a treasure, but it’s just a plain platinum ring.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Haley stared at the ring, rooted to the spot. As she moved toward Aaron, her mother pulled her back
Ellie watched Aaron clench his fists, tears in her eyes. The ring might be worthless to others, but it was everything to him. “Give me back the ring!” she demanded.
The woman winked and tossed the ring away. It rolled across the floor, and Ellie chased after it. It stopped by Alex’s foot, and as Ellie bent down, Alex kicked it away. The ring was kicked around, rolling past everyone’s feet.
