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 I, 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 home was 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 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.

cheer. “Congratulations, Mr. Hartman, Mrs. Hartman. Wishing you both

unfamiliar title in her mind, her chest tightening with

carried the weight of a new chapter, a journey she had no choice but to embrace. I may not have married

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Chapter 3

Mitchell, she murmured, her cheeks flushing faintly as the

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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.

the marriage license into her bag and turned to face him, her tone formal but

while my salary isn’t high, it’s enough to support myself. After we’re married, there’s no need

no wedding or fanfare, she’d tell her parents the news, then

a curt nod. Her proposal couldn’t have

overseas for years, and the thought of suddenly sharing his space with someone–especially a

intrusive.

merely a way to appease Margaret and fulfill her wish,

phone. “Mr. Hartman, can we exchange contact information? Let’s swap phone

with effortless grace, his posture exuding a natural charisma.

numbers, their phones briefly

flawless–thick, delicate brows, a prominent nose, and a jawline so chiseled it could cast its own shadow. The more

my hopes up, she thought wryly. ‘He’s breathtakingly gorgeous, and I can tell women would fall for him

Right now, all she cared about was her career–building her skills, making money,

glanced up and caught her staring. His brooding, intense eyes locked onto hers, sending an

say you have a meeting at ten? It’s already nine–thirty.

yourself,” Lewis said with a slight nod, tucking his

it.” She waved at him before turning on

attention to Lewis. “Lewis, where the hell did you find such a naive

you’ve drafted is worse than this one. If she really is that innocent,

already thought this through. If Doris knows how to behave and stays in her

mused.

I’m intrigued,” Ivan said, his lips

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