Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Chapter 181

The next day, near noon, in Layton's exclusive suite at Earl Hotel, Layton lounged by the bed, wrapped in a white bathrobe, staring intensely at Nalani, who was touching up her makeup at the vanity

"So, just because I stormed off and agreed to break up back then, you've been finding one boyfriend after another? Can't you give yourself a moment to chill" he asked.

Naluni had her back to him using a scarf to hide the faint marks of kisses on her neck. "If it bothers you that much, why don't you help me find some she replied sarcastically, applying bright red lipstick onto her lips, Layton was her first love, the only man she'd ever really cared about, Back then, during a light, she suggested breaking up just to get him to pay more attention to her. To her dismay, he actually agreed

Not only that, but he had the nerve to walk and leave the country without a word! If she couldn't handle his temper, she'd be in for a rough time

Nalani casually leaned against the vanity and met Layton's gaze with an amused smirk. "Don't give me that pitiful look. If I want to look for someone else. I can. It's none of your business." Layton's expression darkened as he rolled off the bed, confronting her. "Nalani, can you get any more heartless!!"

They glared at each other. Nalani raised an eyebrow, "If you hadn't used such underhanded tricks to sleep with me on my wedding night, I might have been much happier right now!" Layton pushed her against the vanity. frustration evident in his voice. "If I hadn't stopped you, you really would have slept with him?"

Nalani shot back. I can sleep with you, so why can't I sleep with other guys!"

Layton challenged, "Prove it Sleep with someone else and let me know!"

Nalani retorted. "Why are y

are you shouting? Do you think as the mistress, you're in the right?"

Layton snapped. "You got married right after our fight. You think that's okay?r

"Fine, think of me as unreasonable. I won't bother you. Hurry up and find a well-mannered girl to settle down with Co, go

Layton was left speechless.

Nalan pushed Layton away and grabbed her bag, tossing some cash onto the vanity. "Last night didn't impress me, so your tip is half"

"If you dare marry Alex, I swear II. Layton's voice trailed off in anger.

Hearing Layton's furious tone behind her, Nalani paused and turned to face him. "I slept with you because y with my future happiness, I'll swap you out for a better guy in a heartbeat!" that, Nalani stormed out of Layton's suite without looking back,

Layton was left in shock.

you know what you're doing. If you mess

A few minutes later, in the hotel's public restroom, Nalani leaned against the wall, one hand on her stomach.

Just last month, Layton had climbed through her window and spent the night with her.

never gotten any-rough and wild, leaving her practically dizzy.

Last night, he had acted like a twenty-something guy who'd nev After taking a moment to recover from the discomfort in the restroom, Nalani cursed under her breath as she finally left the hotel

At noon, Alex knocked and entered Layton's suite. The lingering tension between the couple hadn't completely faded, and Alex frowned as he approached the floor-to-ceiling window, opening it up for some fresh air.

"Isn't it a bit late for a surprise visit, Alex?" Layton said lazily, still dressed in the same white bathrobe from the morning, lounging on the couch. with a sarcastic tone.

IR

9:11 AM c d

Chapter 181

Alex unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat opposite Layton, his expression unreadable, "What were your words back then?"

Layton let out a scoff, rolling his eyes at Alex. To not like you, Nalani and I were together for years before you even knew! I warned you!"

Alex lit a cigarette, resting his upper body against the couch's back support, letting his legs dangle casually over the edge of the coffee table. "You're only ever the other man, he retorted.

Layton reemed unfazed, "Go ahead and insult me. You're not any better."

Alex glanced toward the door, spotting Barry, "Close the door and keep everyone away!"

An hour later, Alex walked out of the Earl Hotels revolving glass doors and bumped into Ellie, who was looking for Mark.

They paused, and Alex stopped in his tracks.

Ellie did expect to run

to run into him this afternoon. After a slight hesitation, she walked around him and headed to the side glass door. Seeing Alex lose himself in thought again, Barry approached cautiously. "Mr. Alex, you have a meeting this afternoon." Not far away, Ellie recognized Alex's luxury car. She quickly averted her gaze, pretending not to see him.

our with her to

her two good

Since she moved to her small apartment, she had enjoyed a lot more prace. Every day, she went to and from work and hung our friends. She spent even more time connecting with Mark or Leonard, preparing for her graduate school entrance exam. She realized she was starting to love being alone

Mark left early for another engagement, so Ellie headed back to the hospital with Leonard.

Leonard opened the passenger door for her. "Im really happy for you. With such an impressive uncle, your journey ahead will be a lot smoother."

awkwardly added. "About the things in the past, I kind of overstepped"

Ellic fastened her seatbelt and turned to Leonard, "No matter who my uncle is, I'm still me.

Being around Leonard made her feel relaxed. "Leonard, I did have my doubts before, but now that I have my uncle, I feel more confident."

She continued, "But whether I was the old me or the new me, in my eyes, you've always been great. We can be really Leonard hesitated, his gaze faltering with a hint of insecurity. Loving someone truly makes it hard to be just friends. Ellie's e y good friends. with him stemmed from the fact that she hadn't fallen for him.

case in being friends

Two days later, at 3 PM, Alex sat across from Nalani at the long conference table, a file sitting in front of each of them. Alex said. "My grandfather's condition is stable for now. Although we have voluntarily agreed to a two-year marriage contract, and considering Layton's feeling, I'll pay you 600 thousand dollars a month for living expenses. After two years, I'll give you a generous divorce settlement."

He continued, "During these two years, as long as we don't harm either family's interests or reputations, our private lives won't interfere with each other. If you have any other demands, now's the time to bring them up"

Nalani glanced at the contract before turning her attention back to Alex. "Mr. Warren, don't make it sound so nice. On the surface, it looks like you're being filial and following family arrangements to marry, but really, you're just using this marriage to make yourself let go. However, you're afraid of losing your connection with Ellie, which is why you chose me, right?"

"Nalani, you don't need to know my real intentions. This marriage is a mutually beneficial arrangement, Alex said, his expression unreadable as he locked eyes with her. "You deliberately agreed to this union with the Warren family just to provoke Layton. Am I wrong?" Nalani nodded seriously. "You're right. That dog of a man has a temper even worse than mine. If I don't teach him a lesson, how are we supposed to get through life together!"

She continued, "Mr. Warren, to ine, a second marriage, a third, even a fourth or fifth doesn't matter. But you? Aren't you afraid you'll lose your chance entirely?"

"Once you've made up your mind, just sign," Alex said, lowering his head to hide all his emotions. Whether he got married or to whom-the fact was, Ellie couldn't care less! He felt he'd already lost his chance with her!

2/3 Chapter 181

Quickly signing his name on the contract, Alex stood up and walked out.