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 a happy marriage.

repeated the unfamiliar title in her mind, her chest tightening with a mix of apprehension and

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

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Chapter 3

murmured, her cheeks flushing faintly

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said, his tone clipped. Today’s meeting demanded his full attention, and lingering wasn’t part of the plan.

license into her bag and turned to face him, her tone formal but calm. “Mr. Hartman, let me formally introduce myself. I’m a senior pastry chef at Hampstone Hotel.

to support myself. After we’re married, there’s no need for us to live together. We can

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

decision, Lewis replied with a curt nod. Her

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

intrusive.

merely a way to

exchange contact information? Let’s swap phone numbers and add each other on

Lewis slid one hand into his pocket with effortless grace, his posture exuding a

exchanged numbers, their phones briefly glowing

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

he warned me not to get my hopes up, she thought wryly. ‘He’s breathtakingly gorgeous, and I can tell women would fall for him so easily!

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

when Lewis glanced up and caught her staring. His brooding, intense

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.”

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

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

sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he shifted his attention to Lewis. “Lewis, where the hell did you

shot back with a cold smirk. “Every agreement you’ve drafted

If Doris knows how to behave and stays in her lane, I won’t let her suffer

mused.

I’m intrigued,” Ivan said, his lips curving

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