One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

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Doris took advantage of her day off to wander around town. She wanted to buy a few things to comfort her parents, who were still lamenting the loss of their “perfect son–in–law, Ryan

Besides, she was moving out of their home soon. She saw this as her last gesture of kindness before she left.

After grabbing a quick dinner on her own, she didn’t make it back until almost eight in the evening.

As soon as she walked through the door, Doris handed a beautifully wrapped dress to her mother, Peyton. “Try it on,” Doris urged gently.

Peyton’s eyes lit up as she unfolded the dress, her delight unmistakable. “It’s beautiful. This must’ve cost a fortune.

“Mom, as long as you like it, the price doesn’t matter.” Doris said, coaxing her mother with a warm smile.

Just then, her father, Jimmy, returned from his evening walk. The moment he spotted Doris, his expression darkened.

Peyton, oblivious to the tension, picked up a box of brand–new leather shoes from the sofa and showed them to Jimmy. Jimmy, look. Doris got me this lovely dress and it cost her more than 700 dollars. And she bought these shoes for you. They were over 1400 dollars”

Jimmy sank into the sofa, placing his water cup down with an audible thud. His gaze bore into Doris. “You bought these?”

Doris nodded. “Yes. I just got paid, and I noticed you’ve been wearing the same pair of leather shoes for years, so I thought

Before she could finish, Jimmy snatched the shoes from Peyton’s hands and flung them onto the floor. “What’s the point of all this? Do you think this is what I want? What I want is for you to marry Mr. Watson.”

“Well, you can keep dreaming” Doris bit her lip hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Without waiting for another word, she spun on her heels and retreated to her room, slamming the door behind her. Jimmy’s angry ranting was muffled by the walls, but his frustration was clear.

Peyton crouched to pick up the scattered shoes, brushing off the scuffed leather with care. “Why are you so angry? At least Doris meant well”

Jimmy’s frown deepened, his voice thick with disdain. “Are you seriously comparing a pair of shoes and a dress to Mr. Warson? Do you even remember how our son managed to buy his place! Where do you think that money came from?”

I… Peyton faltered, her face clouded with worry. “Tll try talking to Doris again. Maybe I can convince her to make up with

Mr. Watson.”

The next morning, Doris left for work earlier than usual.

she had worked in the Food and Beverage Department at the

Ryan, had hosted his engagement party with Leia Martin, the heiress of a family long tied to Ryan’s own. That night had turned Doris

matter what had happened, Doris knew one thing for sure–losing a boyfriend was

into the grand hotel lobby with her head held high. She

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Chapter 4

sneaky glances Some whispered in hushed tones, but when she caught their eye, they quickly

her usual calm demeanor. She greeted those she passed with her professional, practiced smile, as though nothing in

changed into her uniform, smoothing out the crisp fabric with care before heading to her station. Once there, she threw

carved out a moment from her packed schedule to visit Doris.

Doris weren’t just colleagues–they were best friends who shared everything Lola, though born into privilege. rarely talked about her wealthy family.

Lola joined Hampstone Hotel. It was partly out of passion and partly because she was

and sharp instincts, she had climbed the ladder quickly, becoming the front desk manager

alluring figure were impossible to ignore Admirers flocked to her in droves, and they all seemed to have

type to be swept off her feet by money. For her, attraction

this morning. Now I’m starving.” Lola murmured, popping a delicate butter cookie into her

Doris offered earnestly, her tone warm and

lightly, but her sharp eyes didn’t miss the dark circles shadowing Doris’s eyes. A flicker of concern crossed Lola’s face

Doris said, brushing off the question a little too quickly. Then, as if to stop further probing, she added. “It has

brought the Watson family’s

storm cloud of anger passed over Lola’s radiant face. “I still can’t believe Ryan turned out to be such trash.

had the audacity to do it in our hotel, making you the subject of gossip. If I’d been there, I swear I would’ve knocked him into next

at the sight of Lola swinging

stared at her incredulously, before reaching out to press her palm against Doris’s forehead. “You’re not feverish, are you? Because this

faintly, Doris carefully placed a plump red cherry on top of a small, perfectly square cake. “I was heartbroken at first, of course. But if I think about it, I’m grateful. At least I saw his true colors before it was too late.

tears. I’ll live my life, focus on my work,

Lola’s eyes, and she burst into applause. “Bravo. That’s the spirit. Let’s crush it in our

couldn’t resist proving a point, Doris’s phone buzzed at that

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Chapter 1

that made Lola’s lips cund in disgust. It was

groaned in disgust as she said, “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. How does he even have the nerve to

hand hovering over the screen for a few seconds before she answered. Her tone was cool and detached. “Mr. Watson, we’re done. There’s no

a reply, she ended the

giving her

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