One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 20

Jimmy's face was a storm of rage as he shouted at Doris, his voice dripping with sarraum and indignation, Doris,

now that you've found someone to hack you up, you think you can do whatever your want, but

How could you let him talk tolike that, you linde hat! Don’t forget, Fin your father. You're such a

disappointment?

Doris opened her mouth, ready to retort, but before she could utter a word, Lewis uepped forward, his patirtire

completely worn thin. His voice was sharp, and every syllable carried the weight of judgment “Parents who can’t

even stand by their own kid don’t deserve their respect.

“Worse, you team up with outsiders to humiliate her? You're not fit to call yourself her father. From now on, Fl be

the one standing by Doris. And if any of you dare to hurt her again, | won't hesitate to call the police”

With that, Lewis released Jimmy's wrist.

Jimmy finally regained control of his arm, but the throbbing pain lingered on his wrist as if etched into his skin.

His thoughts raced in panic as he pondered,

What kind of man is this? lle’s terrifying: Cold sweat beaded on his forehead and trickled down his back.

At that moment, Lewis stood tall, commanding, his every word and action radiating the strength of a man who

would go to war for his wife. The crowd couldn’t help but stare at him in awe, admiration flickering in their eyes.

Ryan, watching how Lewis captivated everyone, felt a surge of bitterness gnawing at his pride. Furious, he

scoffed and spoke coldly.

“Mr. Reed, since that’s how it is, I'm afraid I'll have to take hack the gifts I've given your family. It’s not like we're

related or anything.”

At that, Jeremiah and the others swiftly stepped forward, collecting the extravagant diamond watches that had

been gifted to the Robinson family as a gesture of goodwill.

The sight of their precious prizes being snatched back was like a slap to the Robinson family’s face. None of

them were happy about the outcome.

Andre, still dazed by the unfolding , turned to Jimmy, demanding answers. Jimmy, what... what's going on

here?”

Maisie’s expression twisted in displeasure, and she muttered in frustration, “Rupert, Claudia, how could this

happen? Our diamond watches are gone just like that.”

Ryan's actions were as deliberate as they were cruel. The gifts he’d initially given to boost Jimmy's ego were now

being weaponized to rub salt into their wounds, each reclaimed watch a jab to Jimmy's already fragile dignity.

Ryan clearly did this only out of spite.

“Ryan, Jimmy called out desperately, trying to salvage the situation.

“Ryan,” Rupert echoed, his voice thick with anxiety.

But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Ryan's decision was final, and he had no intention of turning back.

Just as Ryan was about to leave, Lewis's icy voice cut through the air. “Mr. Watson, wait.”

Ryan halted mid-step, his back still to the room. He didn’t bother to look back, but his silence was invitation

enough for Lewis to speak.

Lewis's tour was cold and biting, each word deliberate. “Mr. Watson, Doris is my wife now. It's my responsibility

to take care of her.

1/4

Terhaps you attention would be herrer for your Market regegir a wattah wave has no place for you in her life

The mom fell into stunned stence

wise words had red need for the

Casps rippled through the red and wimpers filled the

Most of the onlookers couldn't hide their disdained med det red person does tha

“Mr. Watson, Tonce thought you genuinely cared deed, he cdiery with the intent on the stepped forward

“But now | see you for what you really are there we trondit marry yo

voice

Ryan'’s polished smile twisted into a crueline His work was faced with every he finally dragged genence they

Marry me?”

He let out a derisive Taugh. Do you think 1, the CFO of Nation Carey, world serially see for severne Wee her

deserve a woman who's a perfect match for my state-someone from the rat femy tent passing amusement for

me

|

Ryan’s gaze swept over Doris, disdain dripping from his every word “tor, the fare that aver med intrend as your

wa honor you didn’t deserve.

“And yet, you dared to dream of marrying me? Do you really think you're worthy tenise contiene semen Yug

pretending you're something special?

Doris remained stoic, her face devoid of emotion, as if his cruel words couldve teach her Inside, there was

neither anger nor sadness-just a weary familiarity. She had seen through Ryan's true tueture long ago

His venomous remarks only reaffirmed what she already knew, leaving her entirely unsurprised.

Ryan strolled across the plush carpet, his footsteps slow and deliberate, before stopping in front of Lewis. His liga

curled into a mocking smirk. “Mr. Hartman, take good care of the trash | left behind.

“Soon enough, you'll learn what it means to be outclassed. Going up against me? You'll love so badly you won't

even know what hit you.”

Lewis met Ryan’s arrogance with unflinching resolve, his chiseled features as steady as a granite cliff. “Alright,”

he said, his voice calm but firm. “I'll be waiting”

Standing beside him, Doris felt a wave of tension tighten her chest. Her fingers instinctively gripped Lewis's arm.

Ryan’s power and influence could crush someone like Lewis without breaking a sweat, she thought, worry

grawing at her.

Ryan turned on his heel, walking toward the private room’s door. As he reached it, he tossed one last comment

over his shoulder. “Mr. Reed, don’t forget the money you owe me.”

Jimmy flinched at the mention of the one million dollars, his temples pounding with stress

His frustration boiled over, and his glare turned toward Doris, his voice rising in anger. “Doris, are you happy

now? You've ruined this party. You've offended Mr. Watson, and thanks to you, our family is doomed. Get out of

my sight.”

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

Doris didn’t hesitate. This was not a place she wanted to linger for even another second. Not wanting to drag

Lewis into the mess any longer, she grabbed Lewis's hand and walked out of the room, her back straight, her

steps steady, but her heart heavy with emotion.

As they emerged from the hotel into the crisp air, Doris exhaled deeply, over and over, trying to rein in the

overwhelming

urge to cry.

Jimmy's cruelty toward her was nothing new; she had spent more than two decades enduring his verbal abuse,

his violent outbursts. She had thought she’d grown numb to it, but every fresh insult still stung and brought her

to tears, reopening wounds that never seemed to heal

2/4

13:06 Wed, 26 Feb FT AR

Chapter 20

It today had been like the countless other times, she would have borne it alone, yet today, Lewis had stood up

for her. shielding her when no one else would

That simple act of kindness felt monumental in her eyes, a rare gift in a world that often seemed devoid of

warmth

“Cry if you want to” Lewis said softly, his gaze warm yet steady as he noticed the tears welling in her eyes,

stubbornly refusing to fall “You can lean on my shoulder if it helps“.

His words broke the fragile dam Doris had tried so hard to keep intact.

“Alright,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She let her forehead rest gently on his shoulder,

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to let go, quickly brushing away her tears before pulling back. The entire

gesture lasted only seconds, but it felt like an eternity of unspoken comfort. Doris straightened, a forced smile

lifting her lips

Yet, the sadness lurking in her eyes betrayed her true emotions. “Thank you for everything today,” she said

sincerely. “I know just saying it doesn’t feel like enough, so lettreat you to lunch. What do you feel like

eating?”

Lewis didn’t answer directly. Instead, he simply said, “Follow me.”

He led her to a cory, highly-rated seafood restaurant he had discovered online-a place known for its hearty

meals and warm, inviting atmosphere.

He remembered Doris’s love for seafood. She'd once said. “There’s nothing a delicious seafood feast can’t fix.

Today, he brought her here, hoping that the vibrant flavors and hearty dishes might soothe her wounded heart,

even if just a

Doris looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes. “How do you know | like seafood?”

Ttook a guess. Aren't | impressive?” He slid the menu toward her with a self-assured grin.

Doris took the menu, laughing softly. “Very impressive.” She didn’t even glance at it before gesturing lazily to the

waiter, randomly picking a few dishes.

Lewis arched a brow, sensing her indifferent tone. “Can you put a little more thought into this?”

“Cutsslack. I'm sad, remember?” Doris quipped, feigning a pitiful look as if her heartbreak justified her

half-hearted ordering

Lewis studied her intently, his gaze lingering longer than he intended. Beneath her playful banter and

nonchalant demeanor, there was a strength in her he couldn’t ignore-a quiet resilience that contrasted with the

delicate sweep of her lashes and the wistful curve of her lips.

Her beauty wasn’t just in her features but in the way her emotions played across her face-the subtle furrow of

her brows as she scanned the menu, the faint catch of her teeth on her lower lip when she hesitated. She was

captivating without even trying.

“What do you feel like eating?” Doris asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Lewis replied. “Anything works for me.”

It wasn’t long before the dishes began arriving, one by one, filling the table with vibrant colors and tantalizing

aromas.

Doris’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the spread, and without hesitation, she grabbed the shrimp taco closest

to her and took a big, enthusiastic bite.

“Alright, today we're gonna eat our sorrows away. Have whatever you want-it's on me,” Lewis said generously,

leaning back in his chair with an easy smile.

3/4

13:00 Wed 201

Today w

uld huldus to king for Abw pawdowy sy lugged beyond the ty

wwwould hold th

“What do you want to

“Beer-it's the perfect this data the months amply see

Onor the beatles and ground back Love the miner gun festing Moves to seam Trenton

a went the

Chapter 20

Jimmy's face was a storm of rage as he shouted at Doris, his voice dripping with sarraum and indignation, Doris,

now that you've found someone to hack you up, you think you can do whatever your want, but

How could you let him talk tolike that, you linde hat! Don’t forget, Fin your father. You're such a

disappointment?

Doris opened her mouth, ready to retort, but before she could utter a word, Lewis uepped forward, his patirtire

completely worn thin. His voice was sharp, and every syllable carried the weight of judgment “Parents who can’t

even stand by their own kid don’t deserve their respect.

“Worse, you team up with outsiders to humiliate her? You're not fit to call yourself her father. From now on, Fl be

the one standing by Doris. And if any of you dare to hurt her again, | won't hesitate to call the police”

With that, Lewis released Jimmy's wrist.

Jimmy finally regained control of his arm, but the throbbing pain lingered on his wrist as if etched into his skin.

His thoughts raced in panic as he pondered,

What kind of man is this? lle’s terrifying: Cold sweat beaded on his forehead and trickled down his back.

At that moment, Lewis stood tall, commanding, his every word and action radiating the strength of a man who

would go to war for his wife. The crowd couldn’t help but stare at him in awe, admiration flickering in their eyes.

Ryan, watching how Lewis captivated everyone, felt a surge of bitterness gnawing at his pride. Furious, he

scoffed and spoke coldly.

“Mr. Reed, since that’s how it is, I'm afraid I'll have to take hack the gifts I've given your family. It’s not like we're

related or anything.”

At that, Jeremiah and the others swiftly stepped forward, collecting the extravagant diamond watches that had

been gifted to the Robinson family as a gesture of goodwill.

The sight of their precious prizes being snatched back was like a slap to the Robinson family’s face. None of

them were happy about the outcome.

Andre, still dazed by the unfolding , turned to Jimmy, demanding answers. Jimmy, what... what's going on

here?”

Maisie’s expression twisted in displeasure, and she muttered in frustration, “Rupert, Claudia, how could this

happen? Our diamond watches are gone just like that.”

Ryan's actions were as deliberate as they were cruel. The gifts he’d initially given to boost Jimmy's ego were now

being weaponized to rub salt into their wounds, each reclaimed watch a jab to Jimmy's already fragile dignity.

Ryan clearly did this only out of spite.

“Ryan, Jimmy called out desperately, trying to salvage the situation.

“Ryan,” Rupert echoed, his voice thick with anxiety.

But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Ryan's decision was final, and he had no intention of turning back.

Just as Ryan was about to leave, Lewis's icy voice cut through the air. “Mr. Watson, wait.”

Ryan halted mid-step, his back still to the room. He didn’t bother to look back, but his silence was invitation

enough for Lewis to speak.

Lewis's tour was cold and biting, each word deliberate. “Mr. Watson, Doris is my wife now. It's my responsibility

to take care of her.

1/4

Terhaps you attention would be herrer for your Market regegir a wattah wave has no place for you in her life

The mom fell into stunned stence

wise words had red need for the

Casps rippled through the red and wimpers filled the

Most of the onlookers couldn't hide their disdained med det red person does tha

“Mr. Watson, Tonce thought you genuinely cared deed, he cdiery with the intent on the stepped forward

“But now | see you for what you really are there we trondit marry yo

voice

Ryan'’s polished smile twisted into a crueline His work was faced with every he finally dragged genence they

Marry me?”

He let out a derisive Taugh. Do you think 1, the CFO of Nation Carey, world serially see for severne Wee her

deserve a woman who's a perfect match for my state-someone from the rat femy tent passing amusement for

me

|

Ryan’s gaze swept over Doris, disdain dripping from his every word “tor, the fare that aver med intrend as your

wa honor you didn’t deserve.

“And yet, you dared to dream of marrying me? Do you really think you're worthy tenise contiene semen Yug

pretending you're something special?

Doris remained stoic, her face devoid of emotion, as if his cruel words couldve teach her Inside, there was

neither anger nor sadness-just a weary familiarity. She had seen through Ryan's true tueture long ago

His venomous remarks only reaffirmed what she already knew, leaving her entirely unsurprised.

Ryan strolled across the plush carpet, his footsteps slow and deliberate, before stopping in front of Lewis. His liga

curled into a mocking smirk. “Mr. Hartman, take good care of the trash | left behind.

“Soon enough, you'll learn what it means to be outclassed. Going up against me? You'll love so badly you won't

even know what hit you.”

Lewis met Ryan’s arrogance with unflinching resolve, his chiseled features as steady as a granite cliff. “Alright,”

he said, his voice calm but firm. “I'll be waiting”

Standing beside him, Doris felt a wave of tension tighten her chest. Her fingers instinctively gripped Lewis's arm.

Ryan’s power and influence could crush someone like Lewis without breaking a sweat, she thought, worry

grawing at her.

Ryan turned on his heel, walking toward the private room’s door. As he reached it, he tossed one last comment

over his shoulder. “Mr. Reed, don’t forget the money you owe me.”

Jimmy flinched at the mention of the one million dollars, his temples pounding with stress

His frustration boiled over, and his glare turned toward Doris, his voice rising in anger. “Doris, are you happy

now? You've ruined this party. You've offended Mr. Watson, and thanks to you, our family is doomed. Get out of

my sight.”

Doris didn’t hesitate. This was not a place she wanted to linger for even another second. Not wanting to drag

Lewis into the mess any longer, she grabbed Lewis's hand and walked out of the room, her back straight, her

steps steady, but her heart heavy with emotion.

As they emerged from the hotel into the crisp air, Doris exhaled deeply, over and over, trying to rein in the

overwhelming

urge to cry.

Jimmy's cruelty toward her was nothing new; she had spent more than two decades enduring his verbal abuse,

his violent outbursts. She had thought she’d grown numb to it, but every fresh insult still stung and brought her

to tears, reopening wounds that never seemed to heal

2/4

13:06 Wed, 26 Feb FT AR

Chapter 20

It today had been like the countless other times, she would have borne it alone, yet today, Lewis had stood up

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

for her. shielding her when no one else would

That simple act of kindness felt monumental in her eyes, a rare gift in a world that often seemed devoid of

warmth

“Cry if you want to” Lewis said softly, his gaze warm yet steady as he noticed the tears welling in her eyes,

stubbornly refusing to fall “You can lean on my shoulder if it helps“.

His words broke the fragile dam Doris had tried so hard to keep intact.

“Alright,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She let her forehead rest gently on his shoulder,

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to let go, quickly brushing away her tears before pulling back. The entire

gesture lasted only seconds, but it felt like an eternity of unspoken comfort. Doris straightened, a forced smile

lifting her lips

Yet, the sadness lurking in her eyes betrayed her true emotions. “Thank you for everything today,” she said

sincerely. “I know just saying it doesn’t feel like enough, so lettreat you to lunch. What do you feel like

eating?”

Lewis didn’t answer directly. Instead, he simply said, “Follow me.”

He led her to a cory, highly-rated seafood restaurant he had discovered online-a place known for its hearty

meals and warm, inviting atmosphere.

He remembered Doris’s love for seafood. She'd once said. “There’s nothing a delicious seafood feast can’t fix.

Today, he brought her here, hoping that the vibrant flavors and hearty dishes might soothe her wounded heart,

even if just a

Doris looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes. “How do you know | like seafood?”

Ttook a guess. Aren't | impressive?” He slid the menu toward her with a self-assured grin.

Doris took the menu, laughing softly. “Very impressive.” She didn’t even glance at it before gesturing lazily to the

waiter, randomly picking a few dishes.

Lewis arched a brow, sensing her indifferent tone. “Can you put a little more thought into this?”

“Cutsslack. I'm sad, remember?” Doris quipped, feigning a pitiful look as if her heartbreak justified her

half-hearted ordering

Lewis studied her intently, his gaze lingering longer than he intended. Beneath her playful banter and

nonchalant demeanor, there was a strength in her he couldn’t ignore-a quiet resilience that contrasted with the

delicate sweep of her lashes and the wistful curve of her lips.

Her beauty wasn’t just in her features but in the way her emotions played across her face-the subtle furrow of

her brows as she scanned the menu, the faint catch of her teeth on her lower lip when she hesitated. She was

captivating without even trying.

“What do you feel like eating?” Doris asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Lewis replied. “Anything works for me.”

It wasn’t long before the dishes began arriving, one by one, filling the table with vibrant colors and tantalizing

aromas.

Doris’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the spread, and without hesitation, she grabbed the shrimp taco closest

to her and took a big, enthusiastic bite.

“Alright, today we're gonna eat our sorrows away. Have whatever you want-it’s on me,” Lewis said generously,

leaning back in his chair with an easy smile.

3/4

13:00 Wed 201

Today w

uld huldus to king for Abw pawdowy sy lugged beyond the ty

wwwould hold th

“What do you want to

“Beer-it's the perfect this data the months amply see

Onor the beatles and ground back Love the miner gun festing Moves to seam Trenton

a went the

lating ex glass, the clicked it is that have so you those sy

Before he could respond, she rigged hay has hark and dimuat the sorry Thert and seminalen hint t lett po double

Lewis noticed, of course, but he could

4/4

lating ex glass, the clicked it is that have so you those sy

Before he could respond, she rigged hay has hark and dimuat the sorry Thert and seminalen hint t lett po double

Lewis noticed, of course, but he could

4/4

Today, seeing with his own eyes the hurt and coldness Doris endured from her parents, he couldn’t help but

think, How has she tolerated this for over twenty years?

No child should have to beg for their parents’ love. They say an unhappy childhood takes a lifetto heal-she

must carry

scars no one sees.

Just then. Doris glanced up and caught him staring. A faint smile curved her lips, though her eyes still held a

shadow of sadness. “I want salcohol,” she announced, as if only now realizing what the meal was missing.

Lewis hesitated. “Are you sure? Can you even hold your liquor?” He sounded skeptical, thinking she didn’t seem

like someone who could hold her alcohol.

“Of course | can. Don’t underestimate me.” Doris raised her brows, her playful defiance making him chuckle.

“What do you want to drink?”

“Beer-it's the perfect match for this kind of food.” She waved down the waiter, promptly ordering a twelve-pack.

Once the bottles were opened, Doris poured Lewis a glass, the amber liquid frothing as it filled to the brim. “It’s

no fun drinking alone. You're joining me.”

Lifting her glass, she clinked it against his. “Mr. Hartman, here's to you. Bottoms up.”

Before he could respond, she tipped her head back and downed the beer in one go. The speed and

determination behind it left no doubt-this wasn’t just casual drinking. She was trying to drown her sorrows.

Lewis noticed, of course, but he couldn't bring himself to stop her. He simply watched, a quiet understanding in

his eyes.