Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Aaron stopped Ellie as she tried to pick it up again. “Ellie,” he said, his voice heavy, “Let it go.”
Ellie turned to Alex, their eyes locking. “If I had a choice, I’d rather starve than live with you, with the Warren family,” she cried, and then left with Aaron, not looking back.
“Aaron!” Haley tried to follow Aaron, but her family held her back.
Layton watched the siblings enter the elevator. When he turned back, Alex was still staring at the elevator doors. “Let’s go talk upstairs,” Layton said, leading Alex away from the party.
At the top of the Earl Hotel, in Layton’s private suite, the 360–degree view of the city was stunning. Layton handed Alex a glass of red wine, his tone curious. “Alex, you’re really going after Haley, but why the beef with Aaron every time you cross paths?”
Alex leaned back on the sofa, taking the wine with a distant look. Just don’t like the guy.”
Though Alex spoke harshly, he couldn’t get Ellie’s parting words out of his mind: “If I had a choice, I’d rather starve than live with you, with the Warren family.” Annoyed, he frowned and downed his drink in one go.
Layton noticed Alex’s mood was off. “Come on, man. You’re not just stealing Aaron’s girlfriend; you’re stealing his sister too. What’s the deal?”
Alex met Lavonn’s care. “Ellie’s like family to me. We grew up together.”
Layton shook his head. True, but he’s her real brother. You’ve got to see that.”
Alex glared back. “Aaron’s the one who doesn’t fit in.”
Layton shrugged, trying to keep things casual. “I’m not arguing. But Ellie’s going to move on eventually. You can’t control everything, you know?”
“Why not?” Alex kicked over a small stool in frustration
“You’re being a bit obsessive, Alex,” Layton said, pointing at him and shaking his head. “You need to figure this out yourself. can’t spell it out for you.”
Alex walked over to the window, staring blankly into the night. What’s to figure out? If she wants to leave, let her. She’s just being ungrateful.”
In the bustling heart of Jaslands‘ night market, Ellie and Aaron stood by the roadside, watching the city’s endless flow of traffic.
Despite their best efforts to fit in, they still felt like outsiders. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t seem to make lasting connections or find their place.
Ellie glanced up at Aaron, her voice soft and uncertain. “Maybe Haley just isn’t, well–am…”
She wanted to offer some comfort, but the words felt inadequate When they saw Haley, Haley’s first reaction wasn’t excitement but anxiety and she just asked why they were there.
When Aaron explained they were just passing through, Haley seemed relieved, not disappointed. When Alex insulted Aaron, Haley stood by, acting like she didn’t even know him.
15:03 Sat, Jan 25G.
