Chapter 29
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Even though Haley knew the ring was a gift from Aaron, she was indifferent as she chased it around the hall. Ellie realized how naive she had been, and it was all so ironic.
Aaron gently wiped away Ellie’s tears. “Ellie, if you’re more sad than happy, it’s time to walk away,” he said. “You know life’s ups and downs. Breakups aren’t the end of the world.
“I can get another ring, find someone else, but losing the courage to face challenges is the real loss.
“Never feel inferior. Self–respect is your inner strength. If that person isn’t in your heart, they can’t hurt your self–respect.” Ellie hugged Aaron tightly, crying. She had meant to comfort him, but he ended up comforting her. “Aaron, I’ll listen to We’ll work hard together, and we won’t let other things get to us,” she said.
As long as she could erase Alex from her mind and seal her heart again, she wouldn’t feel the pain anymore.
Back at the apartment, Ellie couldn’t sleep, and she knew Aaron probably couldn’t either. Aaron had given up a well–paying side job and used all his savings to buy the ring for Haley, even avoiding public acknowledgment of their relationship for
her sake.
Everything he did showed how much Haley meant to him. He spoke lightly about it, but Ellie knew he must have been hurting. Yet, responsibilities kept him from giving in to despair.
The next morning, Ellie received a call from Haley and met her at the corner outside their neighborhood.
As the car window rolled down, Haley, her voice sounding hoarse, said. “It’s really sunny out here. Get in the car
They used to be best friends, but after last night, there was an awkward distance between them. Ellie stood by the car door. not moving. “I’m good; let’s just talk here?
Haley lowered her head and paused, “Ellie, I tried calling Aaron, but he said he’s busy and wouldn’t meet me. Do you know where he moved? Can you take me to him?”
Ellie hesitated, “Haley, about Alex…”
Haley’s voice softened even more. “You know my parents don’t want me with Aaron. They’ve been trying to set me up with Alex. I didn’t tell you guys about my birthday because I was worried about an awkward situation”
She paused, “I didn’t expect you to show up, and I definitely didn’t expect Aaron to have a ring. I’m really confused and don’t know how to talk to him about it.”
Ellie looked at Haley, surprised, “So, you’re saying Alex has really shaken up your feelings?”
As their eyes met, Haley hesitated, “…”
Ellie looked away, disappointed. Misunderstandings don’t exist: they’re just the truth. Behind every excuse lies a deeper
reason.
Ellie pleaded with Haley, almost desperately, “Haley, Aaron has worked so hard for you. I don’t know what the future holds, but if you’re giving up, please tell him directly. Let him keep some dignity, okay?
15:03 Sat, Jan 25
- DG.
Chapter 30
