Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie) novel Chapter 321

Chapter 321 

Alex’s words hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Ellie quickly averted her gaze and pulled her hand free from his grasp. If the kiss earlier had been just for show, as Alex claimed, then his actions now were a clear attempt. 

I’m not a naive teenager anymore. I know exactly what Alex is after,‘ Ellie thought. She reached for the serving forks and placed a piece of pastry on Alex’s plate, trying to steer the conversation in a safer direction. “Try this, Mr. Warren,” she said. 

Alex, ever composed, set down his wine glass and leaned back in his chair. Even as he took a sip, his eyes never left Ellie. The intensity in his gaze was unmistakable, his intentions laid bare without the need for words. 

The table fell into an awkward silence, the air between them heavy with unspoken tension. Ellie kept her head down, pretending to focus on her food, but her mind was in turmoil. I just need to get through this dinner and leave, she thought. 

“Having dinner with me is that unbearable, huh?” Alex’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and unexpected. 

Ellie looked up, her eyes meeting his. “No, of course not. It’s an honor to dine with you, Mr. Warren,” she replied, forcing a smile. She quickly returned to her meal, using it as a shield to hide her discomfort. 

“Really?” Alex set his glass down with a soft clink, his tone challenging. 

“Of course,” Ellie said, her smile strained. 

“Then give me your hand,” Alex demanded. When Ellie hesitated, he stood up, prompting her to reluctantly extend her hand. He sat back down and pulled out the red cord bracelet adorned with the olive–shaped diamond, sliding it onto her wrist. 

Ellie’s breath hitched as the bracelet triggered a flood of memories. She tried to pull her hand back, but Alex held it firmly. 

“It’s just a cord. Not worth much,” Alex said casually, though his eyes were locked on hers, watching her reaction. 

“I can’t accept this. Even if it’s not expensive, it’s still too much,” Ellie protested, trying to remove the bracelet. But Alex stopped her, his grip unyielding. 

“It’s said to ward off bad luck,” Alex said, his voice low and deliberate. 

Ellie’s expression froze. “The red cord… for protection…‘ she thought, her mind flashing back to the past. 

“Wearing this for protection? You’d be better off asking me to protect you,” a voice from her memories echoed. 

“Hold these flowers properly. If even one is missing, you’ll hear from me!” 

“Here, all accounted for.” 

She forced herself to stay calm, removing the bracelet and placing it on the table. “Thank you for the gesture, Mr. Warren, but I really can’t accept this,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. 

Alex’s expression darkened as Ellie rejected the gift again. She kept her eyes down, focusing on her plate, while Alex sat across from her, his piercing gaze never wavering. The tension between them was palpable. 

“I thought you were different from other women, Ellie,” Alex said, his tone tinged with disappointment. 

Ellie stood up, grabbing her bag. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Warren. I’m feeling tired, so I’ll take my leave now,” she said, her voice firm. She walked out of the restaurant without looking back, her steps quick and purposeful. 

‘I thought I could handle this. I thought I could face him calmly after all this time. But that red cord… it brought everything back, Ellie thought, her chest tightening as she stood by the roadside, trying to hail a cab. 

Ellie stood by the roadside, waving her hand to try and catch a cab. Suddenly, Alex rushed out from behind her, grabbing her arm to stop her. They both stepped onto the sidewalk, their eyes locking in an intense gaze. 

“Did I do something to upset you?” he asked, his voice low but edged with frustration. 

In the store, when he had suddenly kissed her, she hadn’t been angry at all. But just now, when he simply gave her a small gift, she suddenly turned cold and walked away. Alex was completely bewildered by Ellie’s behavior. 

Ellie subtly averted her gaze. ‘He can’t remember anything, so it’s not fair for me to get upset over things he doesn’t even recall, Ellie thought, ‘I need to calm down and handle this rationally! 

Slowly calming herself down, Ellie tried to keep her voice as steady as possible. “You’re overthinking it, Mr. Warren. I’m just really tired and want to go home early to rest.” 

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Chapter 321 

Alex studied her face, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes. “Let me drive you home,” he offered. 

“I’ll take a cab. You’ve been drinking–call a driver,” Ellie replied, her voice firm. She needed space, and she wasn’t about to let Alex invade it further. 

Alex’s jaw tightened as he watched her, his frustration mounting. The air between them grew heavier, the silence stretching uncomfortably. When a cab finally pulled up, Ellie turned to leave, but Alex grabbed her wrist. “Let’s talk somewhere,” he said, his voice low and insistent. 

“Sorry, Mr. Warren, I have work tomorrow. Goodnight,” Ellie said, pulling her hand free and stepping into the cab. As the car drove away, Alex stood on the sidewalk, clutching the red cord bracelet in his hand. 

‘Adults don’t need words to understand each other. I thought she’d get what I was trying to say. But I guess I was wrong; Alex thought. 

Later that night, at the Earl Hotel’s private lounge. Alex sat in a dimly lit booth; his mood as dark as the room. He downed his drink in one gulp. Layton and Carl exchanged glances. 

“Alex, you’re not yourself tonight,” Layton said, taking the glass from Alex’s hand. “Is it the board giving you trouble again?” Alex shook his head, reaching for another drink. 

“Did you and your girlfriend have a fight?” Carl chimed in, leaning closer. 

“No. I’m Jaslands‘ most eligible bachelor,” Alex shot back, glaring at Carl. 

“A girlfriend?” Layton asked, intrigued. Alex pushed him away. 

“Alex, Zeke Sullivan will have a concert in Jaslands in a few days. I can introduce you to a celebrity. She’s gorgeous, sweet, and has an amazing figure. You’ll love her, Carl said, his eyes lighting up at the thought. 

“Don’t lead him astray,” Layton warned, giving Carl a pointed look. 

“Layton, you’re married young. Otherwise, I’d introduce someone to you too,” Carl teased. 

“If you dare say that in front of his wife, I’ll make sure you lose that mop of hair,” Alex said, his tone sharp. 

Carl raised his hands in surrender. “Just joking, just joking.” 

“My wife is kind and understanding. Don’t get the wrong idea,” Layton said defensively. Carl and Alex exchanged a look, both rolling their eyes. 

“Layton won’t go. Alex, you’re coming to the concert, right?” Carl whispered. “I promise it’ll be worth) your while.” 

“Of course I am,” Alex said, clinking his glass against Carl’s. 

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