Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

It was late at night at the Encounter Bar. As soon as they entered. Layton pulled Alex towards the stage. "Come on, maybe you'll like her," he said. Alex wasn't really interested and tugged Layton upstairs to get a drink.

On the stairs, Layton glanced back at the stage and suddenly tagged Alex, almost making them stumble. "Alex, look! Isn't that Ellie?" he exclaimed. Alex squinted at Ellie, who was singing on stage in a white dress, and his face darkened.

"Wew, she looks amazing Layton said, impressed. "She's really grown up."

Alex gave Layton a warning look, and Layton quickly fell silent.

Alex stared at Ellie, his jaw sense. "She looks like a ghost with all that makeup. It's terrible, be munered.

"Something's off with her," Layton observed. He grabbed Alex and headed downstairs. "Is your girl going through a breakup? She sounds like she's about to cry.noveldrama

Alex just snorted coldly and headed straight upstairs.

During the break, Ellie was on her way to the restroom when she saw Alex smoking in the hallway. She paused for a moment, then decided to avoid him and head to the restroom on a different floor.

Ever since she came back, Alex had been constantly trying to provoke her, even going so far as to insult her. That morning at her apartment, he'd been particularly harsh. She didn't argue back, but that didn't mean she wasn't affected.

She had no intention of putting herself in an awkward situation by being around him again. If she could, she'd rather not see him at all.

As Ellie turned the corner in the hallway, she ran into Layton, who greeted her with a smile. She just kept walking, not even looking up.

A Haley's birthday party, if it werent for Layton's help, Alex might not have been able to get his hands on something from her brother's pocket. If her brother's ring hadn't been taken, she and her brother wouldn't have been so embarrassed. Layton pulled back his hand and walked over 10 Alex, giving him a look of disapproval. "At Haley's birthday party, I helped you out, upsetting Ellie. Just now, she didn't even call me just turned and left." but I ended

up

Alex stared at the spot where Ellie had disappeared his expression unreadable. "If she doesn't want to call you, that's fine. It's not like it's a big deal" Layton glanced down the empty hallway and teased him. "If it's not a big deal, then why don't you just let her go back to her family?" "Since they're ignoring you, what are you still doing here? Let's go grab a drink, Layton suggested,

TI finish this cigarette first. You go ahead." Alex said, nudging Layton away.

Ellie emerged from the third-floor bathroom and spoused Alex leaning against the hallway wall. His tall lean figure was highlighted by the corridor lights, his dirty-blonde hair catching the light in a way that made him stand out like a pop star.

She scanned her surroundings and realized she had no choice but to walk past him. With a resigned sigh, she lifted her dress and hurried forward, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor.

As she approached, Alex's long leg suddenly stretched out, blocking her path. She looked up and met his cryptic gaze.

He had a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and his expression was far from friendly. "First time getting lost in this joint. Take me to Room 7203, he said, his voice tinged with a hint of contempl

Elle paused for a moment, taking in the strong scent of alcohol and faim tobacco wafting from him. He'd clearly had a few drinks. But she wasn't about to play along I'm not a waitress here," she said, lifting her dress and walking away- "Just a singer. Do you think that's better than a waitress!" Alex's harsh voice followed her.

Ellie clenched the hem of her dress, her steps quickening. She didn't want to argue with him, she knew she'd never win. In his eyes, anyone who poor, whether a singer or a server, wasn't worth much.

She focused on her work, determined not to let Isis words affect her. During her break, Whitney had told her that someone had given her a generous tip, saying they loved her singing That encouragement gave her the motivation to keep going. At midnight, the bars music switched from a soothing rhythm to a lively beat as Ellie finished her shift.

1/2

As she headed to the dressing room, a young man with a flashy look nished up, holding a bouquet of flowers. "Hey, Ellie, I'm a huge fan. Can we connect on Instagram!" He seemed like a typical rich kid, and he pushed the flowers into her hands. Ellie tried to decline. "Sorry, but we're not allowed to exchange personal info with customers."

She handed the flowers back, but he

suddenly hag

hugged her.

The man broke free from the guards and approached her again, causing her to step back nervously, nearly tripping over her dress.

Startled, she let out a scream. She'd never been in such a situation and was momentarily frozen, struggling to break free.

Security quickly intervened, pulling the man away. Ellie's face drained of color as she dropped the flowers and tried to compose herself.

in

the onc.

A crowd had gathered, drawn by the commation. Such incidents were common in bars, but not

Whitney stepped in, her gaze calm yet firm. Trevor, you know the rules here" she said.

Trevor, only briefly embarrassed, pulled out a credit card. "Whitney, I really like her. Just name your price, and I'll take care of her," he said confidently.

Whaney smiled fainly with a soft but firm tone, Trevor, I think you should reconsider. I doubt you can afford what I'd charge"

gat

"In Jaslands, there's no price I can't pay," Trevor boasted, glancing at two nearby patrons. "If you don't believe me, ask Mr. Warren and Mr. Mosley" Layton, who had been observing, stepped in "Trevor, you've had too much to drink. Let me take you home, he said, trying to defuse the situation. Ellie could sense the heat of Alex's anger from across the room. She backed up against the wall, her eyes fixed on the floor, too intimidated to look

at him

Trevor pushed past Layton, pointing at Ellie. "No way, I'm taking this girl with me. I've had my eye on her since last time, and I can't stop thinking about her. It's driving me nuts."

Alex's eyes narrowed, a faint, cold smile spreading across his face. "What does that mean?

Trevor grinned at him, his smile sleazy "Well, you know what I mean, I want her."

Alex's expression turned hard in an instant. He threw a punch at Trevor and shouted, "Let me help you get over it

grabbed Trevor by the collar,

Trevor barely had time to react before Alex kicked him across the room. The crowd gasped and scattered as Alex gr lifting him like a ragdoll.

Trevor crashed into the makeup table in the dressing room, breaking the mirror and scattering cosmetics everywhere. He fell to the floor, writhing in pain.

"Alex" Layton said urgently, stepping in as Alex's eyes blazed with fury. "He's going to get seriously hurt if you keep this up"

"Tim going to finish him off Alex growled, pushing past Layton and storming into the dressing room.