One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 3

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Doris faced the harsh terms laid out in the agreement with unflinching composure, her expression as calm as still

waters. Without hesitation, she reached into her bag, pulled out a pen, and prepared to sign her name.

Lewis raised an eyebrow slightly, his mind flickering with curiosity. ‘She's got nerves of steel, I'll give her that, he

thought.

Still, he decided to give her one last chance to reconsider. “Ms. Reed, if you're having any trouble understanding

the terms, feel free to consult a lawyer before signing.

“Take your time. It’s better to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future. If you want to back out now, it’s not too

late,”

This was his final offer of retreat—a clear exit if she wanted to take it

Tve read it thoroughly.” Doris replied with a nonchalant tone, her pen moving decisively as she signed her name

in bold strokes.

Lewis exchanged a quick look with Ivan, the faintest flicker of surprise passing between them.

Her unwavering confidence caught Lewis off guard. He had expected resistance, hesitation, or at least a few

questions. Instead, she signed with such casual ease that it almost made him feel petty for doubting her

intentions.

Not that he would admit any guilt. As the heir to Hartman Group, Lewis knew he couldn't afford to leave his

marriage open to any risks. This is purely precautionary, he thought to himself. ‘Doris’s character will reveal itself

in due time. For now, I'm just covering my bases.

“Ms. Reed, this agreement comes in triplicate, Ivan explained smoothly, tucking one copy into a folder before

handing it to her. “You, Mr. Hartman, and |, as the attorney, will each keep a copy.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, Doris responded with a polite, practiced smile, accepting the folder.

Lewis glanced at his watch. The sleek silver dial reflected the sunlight streaming through the windows. “I have

an important meeting at ten,” he announced coolly. “Let's get this over with.”

Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the city hall entrance, his legs cutting a brisk path across the

marble floor.

“Alright,” Doris said, quickly following behind him, her heart thudding slightly faster. She couldn’t afford to let

him change his mind now.

The oppressive atmosphere of her family hwas something she had longed to escape. This-no matter how

unorthodox -was her way out.

Ivan had arranged everything in advance. The process was smooth and efficient, and within no time, the

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necessary paperwork was complete. Doris held the official marriage license in her hands, its weight feeling both

surreal and significant.

From this moment on, she was no longer Doris Reed. She was Mrs. Hartman.

As she stepped out of the city hall, the morning sunlight kissed her face, wrapping her in a warm, golden glow.

The air felt lighter, freer, as if she'd stepped into a dream she hadn't dared to imagine.

Ivan clapped a hand on Lewis's shoulder, his voice brimming with professional cheer. “Congratulations, Mr.

Hartman, Mrs. Hartman. Wishing you both a happy marriage.

‘Mrs. Hartman?” Doris repeated the unfamiliar title in her mind, her chest tightening with a mix of apprehension

and wonder.

Though the nfelt foreign on her ears, it carried the weight of a new chapter, a journey she had no choice but

to embrace. | may not have married the heir to the legendary Hartman family of Hampstone, but here | am-Mrs.

Hartman nonetheless, she pondered.

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13:02 Wed, 26 Feb AAR.

Chapter 3

“Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, she murmured, her cheeks flushing faintly as the words left her lips.

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“It there’s nothing else, I'll take my leave now,” Lewis said, his tone clipped. Today's meeting demanded his full

attention, and lingering wasn’t part of the plan.

“Wait” Doris carefully tucked the marriage license into her bag and turned to face him, her tone formal but calm.

“Mr. Hartman, letformally introduce myself. I'm a senior pastry chef at Hampstone Hotel.

“My job is stable, and while my salary isn’t high, it's enough to support myself. After we're married, there’s no

need for us to live together. We can go about our lives separately.”

Her plan was simple. Since theirs was a hidden marriage with no wedding or fanfare, she’d tell her parents the

news, then find a new place to stay-probably a shared rental.

“I respect your decision, Lewis replied with a curt nod. Her proposal couldn't have been more to his liking.

He'd lived alone overseas for years, and the thought of suddenly sharing his space with someone-especially a

woman-felt

intrusive.

For Lewis, this marriage was merely a way to appease Margaret and fulfill her wish, nothing more.

Doris pulled out her phone. “Mr. Hartman, can we exchange contact information? Let's swap phone numbers and

add each other on WhatsApp. It'll make communication easier.

“Sure.” Lewis slid one hand into his pocket with effortless grace, his posture exuding a natural charisma.

They exchanged numbers, their phones briefly glowing in the sunlight.

Lewis's side profile was flawless-thick, delicate brows, a prominent nose, and a jawline so chiseled it could cast

its own shadow. The more Doris looked, the harder it was to pull her gaze away.

‘No wonder he warnednot to get my hopes up, she thought wryly. ‘He's breathtakingly gorgeous, and | can

tell women would fall for him so easily!

But Doris had no intention of joining that crowd. Right now, all she cared about was her career-building her skills,

making money, and pouring her energy into her work. Relationships weren't even on her radar.

Her internal musings cto a screeching halt when Lewis glanced up and caught her staring. His brooding,

intense eyes locked onto hers, sending an unexpected jolt through her.

Flustered, Doris quickly averted her gaze. “Didn't you say you have a meeting at ten? It's already nine-thirty.

Don’t be late. I'll get going now.”

“Take care of yourself,” Lewis said with a slight nod, tucking his phone away.

Doris gave a quick nod in return. “Got it.” She waved at him before turning on her heel and walking off.

Ivan watched her slender figure retreat into the distance, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he shifted his

attention to Lewis. “Lewis, where the hell did you find such a naive girl? And that prenup of yours-seriously,

could it have been any harsher?”

“Spareyour sarcasm, Lewis shot back with a cold smirk. “Every agreement you've drafted is worse than this

one. If she really is that innocent, I'll compensate her.”

He had already thought this through. If Doris knows how to behave and stays in her lane, | won't let her suffer

one bit, he

mused.

“Well, now I'm intrigued,” Ivan said, his lips curving into a faint, mischievous smile.

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13.07 Wed 26 Fe

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The Rolls Royce had barely traveled for the perks the cler 112,

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Margarer’s voice rane through tinged with repeal parts worth and disepinement. Lewis, Dons saved my life, you

know! | was hoping yourd marry her wore that girl and make her my granddaude in how

But then she went and got married to someone else today Ju like that. How did you two end up with such bad

timing

Lewickept silent, listening a Margaret sighed heavily, her regres polpable even over the line “Whoever that

rascati, snatching Doris away from me, | swear Ed roach him lesion if | could the muttered, dearly annoyed.

Lewis instinctively felt a call down los spine. Don’t worry, Grandma I'll have a wide someday?

his

The doctor had been clear-Margaret’s condition repaired her to stay as calon as possible free of emotional

upheaval. This was why Lewis had chosen not to tell her that he and Doris had, in fact, just registered their

marriage.

He

The planned to wait until Margaret's health stabilized before breaking the news in person, in a more controlled

way.

“But it won't be Doris Margaret said with a note of stubbornness in her voice. “I just really like that girl

Tknow, Lewis replied softly, his tone indulgent.

Margaret sighed again, her voice lightening a fraction, “I should think about how to properly thank Doris,

shouldn't 17” And with that, she ended the call.

Lewis lowered his phone, staring at the screen for a moment before navigating to WhatsApp. Using her number,

he added. Doris as a contact and sent her a simple message to identify himself.

Doris’s response was polite but curt, acknowledging his message with the sdetached brevity.

Moments later, her phone lit up with a notification. A transaction alert popped up, showing that Lewis had

transferred her three thousand dollars via WhatPay. She blinked in shock, her fingers tightening slightly

around her phone. What does he mean by this?’ she wondered.

Before she could overthink it, another message cin from him: [For the medical expenses you covered for my

grandmother.]

Doris stared at the text, frowning slightly s

had only paid 1500 dollars at the time, so she quickly typed back: [That's way too much. Lettransfer the

extra back to you.]

Lewis's reply was swift, almost dismissive: [Biscuit tore your dress yesterday. Consider the rest compensation,

including the emotional damage. No need to return it.]

Holding her phone, Doris hesitated for a moment. Then, after a heat of deliberation, she typed: [Thank you]

13:03 Wed, 26 Feb 8.