Chapter 38
“What are you doing here?” Aaron’s voice was firm as he walked onto the balcony, his eyes narrowed at Alex.
Alex, never one to back down from a challenge, smirked and deliberately pinched the lingerie hanging on the line. He shot Aaron a defiant look, as if daring him to comment. “Why can’t I be here?” he retorted.
Aaron studied Alex’s expression, sensing the tension building. “You’re right, Alex. Ellie has been living with your family for over a decade, and you two have been close. I know you care about her, just like I do.”
Aaron didn’t directly ask about what was happening between Alex and Ellie, but the sight of Alex hanging her underwear earlier had said enough. As an adult, Aaron understood the implications. But what unsettled him was whether Alex could really make Ellie happy, something he had serious doubts about.
Alex tossed the apple core into the trash and turned to face Aaron with a mocking smirk. “Aaron, you’re wondering what’s going on between me and Ellie, huh?”
Aaron’s stance grew more rigid, his body language tense. “I think we both care about Ellie and want her to be happy.”
“You’re half right,” Alex replied with a teasing tone, his eyes glinting. “The way I care for her and the way you do… it’s not the same.”
Aaron’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. He tried to keep his cool but couldn’t hold back his anger. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Alex shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face. “It’s just adults having fun. Why so serious?”
A mocking laugh escaped him, meeting Aaron’s growing fury. “You don’t need to be so worried. We’re in different leagues. No matter how hard your family works, Ellie and I are just not on the same page.”
“Damn you,” Aaron snapped, finally losing his composure. He threw a punch at Alex without hesitation.
Alex retaliated instantly, the two men colliding in a flurry of fists and shoves. The living room, once calm, was now a battleground, with punches thrown and bodies crashing against furniture. They were both bruised and panting after a few minutes, but neither one was backing down.
Alex, leaning back with his foot on the coffee table, looked triumphant despite the bruises on his face. “Listen, Aaron, if you want me to back off from Ellie, you better break up with Haley.”
Aaron’s eyes burned with anger. “What if I don’t?” he challenged, his voice a low growl.
“Then just watch as I date your sister and make your girlfriend mine,” Alex said, a smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.
“You touch Ellie, and you’re in for a world of trouble,” Aaron warned, his grip tightening on Alex’s collar. His veins stood out in sharp relief on his hand, his muscles taut with rage.
Alex grabbed Aaron’s shirt in return, his voice dripping with tension. “Go ahead; try to stop me. What could you do?”
Before either of them could escalate the confrontation further, the front door swung open with a creak. Ellie stood at the threshold, her face pale and her lips trembling as she surveyed the disarray in the living room.
Alex and Aaron broke apart at the same time, their eyes snapping to Ellie. It was clear from her tear-streaked face that she had overheard their conversation, and the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air.
Ellie tried to brush it off, wiping at her cheeks, but the tears continued to fall. She knew Alex could be a jerk, but she never imagined he would go so far as to manipulate her brother in such a way. Using her as leverage to pressure Aaron into giving up on Haley—she couldn’t believe it.
Alex glanced at Ellie nonchalantly, as though he had every right to be there. His gaze lingered on her pale face for a moment, his expression softening slightly before hardening again with irritation. He spoke coldly, “Why are you crying? You seemed happy enough looking for me last night.”
He shot a defiant look at Aaron, his tone dismissive, and left without giving Ellie a chance to respond.
The door slammed shut behind him, and the room fell into a tense, uncomfortable silence. After what felt like an eternity, Aaron finally broke the quiet. He closed the door, then turned to Ellie, his face softening as he guided her to the couch.
He hesitated before speaking, his voice gentle but full of concern. “Come on, sweetie. Tell me what’s really going on.”
Ellie wiped her tears away, shaking her head as she tried to compose herself. “He’s just making things up. I know my limits,” she whispered, her voice shaky.
Aaron frowned, his brow furrowed in frustration. “I trust you, but I don’t trust him.”
Ellie’s gaze softened as she reached out to take Aaron’s hand. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’ll change the password later,” she assured him.
Aaron didn’t press the issue further. “I’ll help you with that,” he said, his voice laced with protectiveness.
They sat in silence, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on both of them, unsure of what would come next but certain that whatever happened, they would face it together.
