One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Rupert was at home, peeling an apple for Claudia. Claudia leaned against his shoulder, enjoying his care.

“You fell asleep, and | couldn't wake you up. | didn’t know where you lived, and | couldn't just leave you on the

street, so f had no choice but to take you to a hotel,” Rupert explained, handing Claudia a slice of apple.

Claudia took it happily and ate it.

“How much was the room? I'll pay you back,” Doris said, unwilling to owe Rupert anything.

“It wasn’t much. Forget about it,” Rupert said generously. “If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up.”

After ending the call, Doris freshened up and left the hotel.

Just as she stepped outside, she ran into Lewis, whom she hadn't seen for days.

Lewis recognized Doris immediately. She looked even thinner and more fragile than before.

Their eyes met for a brief second before they both quickly looked away, neither greeting the other.

Lewis’ lips pressed into a tight line. His deep, eyes were like an ancient well-cold and unreadable.

Since this woman was treating him like a stranger, he would pretend not to know her too.

Doris had a mix of resentment and guilt. She hadn't expected to run into her husband the moment she walked

out of a hotel.

She thought, ‘Is he going to let his imagination run wild and pin sridiculous accusation onagain?‘

The thought of the necklace he had thrown away made Doris furious all over again.

She then plastered a bright smile on her face and greeted Daniel. “Daniel, long tno see.”

Daniel could tell the tension between Doris and Lewis.

He stole a glance at Lewis beside him, thinking, ‘Could it be that Lewis’ bad mood these past few days has

something to do with Doris?’

“Ms. Reed, hello. What are you doing here?” Daniel forced a smile, though it looked rather stiff.

It was hard for him to stay relaxed when Lewis was radiating an icy aura.

“I...” Doris hesitated for a moment. “| just took a nap here.”

“You have a home, but you're sleeping in a hotel?” Lewis finally couldn’t hold back his questioning.

“Mr. Hartman, you haven't been hfor several nights either, and | never asked about it,” Doris replied,

making it clear that neither of them had the right to question the other.

Lewis was momentarily at a loss for words. His handsface remained expressionless, but his jawline

tightened even

more.

Daniel thought he had guessed right-there was definitely trouble between this couple.

“Daniel, | have things to do. See you.” Doris waved at Daniel but didn’t say a word to Lewis before turning to

leave.

“S-see you...” Daniel waved back, noticing from the corner of his eye that Lewis‘ face had turned even colder.

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Chapter 85

Without another word, Lewis strode into the hotel with firm steps. Daniel quickly followed.

Doris left the hotel, planning to go hfor a shower, change her clothes, and prepare sfood before

heading to the hospital.

She arrived at the hospital before 5 PM, just in tfor Laura to leave and pick up Arianna from school.

Doris handed Laura a paper bag. “Laura, | baked these cranberry cookies for Ari

“Doris, thank you so much,” Laura said, feeling like she and Rupert weren't doing enough.

“Just go pick up Ari. Don’t make her wait.” Doris gently pushed Laura forward.

Once Laura left, Doris placed the food container on the small table and walked over to Peyton's bedside.

“Mom, how are you feeling today? Does it still hurt?” Doris sat down.

“Doris, | feel like I'm just causing more trouble for you all,” Peyton said, looking up at Doris’ thin face.

Doris’ eyes were filled with worry and heartache.

A dull pain spread through Peyton’s chest.

“Mom, as long as you're okay, that’s all that matters.” Doris smiled.

“Doris, | wish that car had just killed me. It would have saved everyone the trouble and sparedthis

suffering.” Peyton's eyes were devoid of light.

“Mom, you can’t say things like that.” Doris felt a sharp sting in her heart. “You have to get better.”

Peyton only gave a faint, sorrowful smile.

“Mom if this is just about your illness, we can cooperate with the doctors and get you treated. You'll have a good

life after the surgery. Since we have hope, let's not give up, okay?” Doris held Peyton's hand. “I, Laura, and our

whole family will be here for you.”

“Doris, stop talking. You don’t understand.” Peyton pulled her hand back and gently stroked Doris‘ face. Then,

she turned away, gazing out the window as if her soul had drifted far away.

Doris didn’t know what else to say. A wave of helplessness surged over her, threatening to drown her.

Her eyes reddened, and the ache in her throat and nose felt like a blade cutting through her. But she couldn't

cry. She bit her lip and forced the tears back down.

A sudden knock on the door shattered the silence and snapped Doris out of her thoughts.

She turned around and saw Jimmy-along with Ryan, the last person she wanted to see. Her face darkened

instantly.

Peyton also turned slightly, and when she saw Ryan, her dim eyes lit up.

“Peyton, look who's here to see you-Ryan!” Jimmy walked in cheerfully. “Aren’t you happy?”

Peyton’s expression brightened as a smile spread across her face. She looked noticeably more energetic.

Doris just thought, ‘What kind of magic did Ryan have to make my parents favor him so much, to the point of

ignoring all his faults?”

“Mrs. Reed, | heard from Mr. Reed that you were injured and sick, so | cby to visit. Please accept this money

as a gift Ryan said as he pulled a stack of notes from his coat and slipped it into Peyton's hand.

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Chapter 85

Peyton immediately tried to refuse. “This is too much. | can’t accept it.”

+23

“I didn’t bring you anything else. Just take this and buy whatever you need. No need to be polite with me.” Ryan

firmly held her hand, not letting her return it.

Judging by the thickness of the stack, Peyton believed there was at least 7,000 dollars inside.

That wasn’t much for Ryan, but for Jimmy and Peyton, it was a huge deal.

“Ryan, you really shouldn't have,” Peyton said, still feeling a little uneasy.

“You're Doris’ mother-it’s only right.” Ryan then handed Doris a bouquet of sunflowers.

Doris didn’t reach out to take it. She flat-out rejected it.

Sunflowers were her favorite flowers, but for Peyton, carnations would have been a more appropriate choice.

“Doris, what are you doing just standing there?” Peyton urged, seeing that Doris wasn’t making any move. “Take

it already.”

“It’s for Mrs. Reed,” Ryan said.

“Doris, look, Mr. Watson is here. Your mom is so happy. Don’t upset her,” Jimmy reminded Doris.

Seeing Peyton's delighted expression, Doris hesitated for a moment before finally taking the flowers and silently

placing them in the vase on the bed.

She then picked up the vase and went to the bathroom to fill it with water. Watching the water flow, she had no

desire to go back outside and face Ryan. But she couldn't stay here forever.

Just then, Jimmy's voice rang out. “Doris, Mr. Watson is leaving. Cout and see him off.”

Doris let out a breath of relief, thinking. “That annoying man is finally leaving