One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 9

Doris hadn’t noticed that Lewis’s expression had darkened further, a storm cloud settling over his face. She continued, oblivious to his growing displeasure. “It’s great to be rich, isn’t it? Luxury cars at their beck and call, complete with chauffeurs and bodyguards.

“Meanwhile, people like me are up at the crack of dawn, dragging ourselves half–asleep onto crammed subways and buses. Being broke is just miserable. You tell me, how is life so unfair?”

Her words grated on Lewis’s nerves. They struck a chord he didn’t want to acknowledge. “You want to be rich?” he asked, his voice turning frostier, carrying an edge she couldn’t miss.

Doris took a sip of water, as if to wash away the bitterness of her reality. “Who doesn’t? If I had money, I wouldn’t have to do this soul–crushing eight–to–six grind every day. Working myself to the bone for scraps? No, thank you. With money, half my problems would disappear”

In her mind, wealth meant freedom–a cozy apartment she could call her own, a sanctuary where she could finally breathe. That was why she worked so hard, saving every penny, determined to make her dream a reality.

But to Lewis, her words painted a different picture entirely. ‘Is she just looking for an easy way out? A shortcut to success?‘ he thought, his disdain settling deeper. I can’t stand people who are greedy and lazy.

Though his face betrayed nothing, his internal judgment was harsh. “Well,” he said coolly, “maybe you Hartman family heir instead of me. That would make you rich and solve all your problems in an instant.”

The comment blindsided Doris, and she choked on her water, coughing uncontrollably.

I marry t

Her eyes darted to Lewis, guilt flickering in her gaze. She had, after all, once boasted to Lola about wanting to marry the Hartman family heir. ‘How could he hit so close to the mark?” she wondered.

Snapping back to reality, she quickly explained, “The Hartman family heir? That’s a pipe dream. I’m just an ordinary person, and he’s way out of my league. I’d never delude myself with something so unrealistic.”

“Glad to see you’re at least self–aware, Lewis said sharply, his piercing gaze sweeping over her. “Most troubles come from greed and unchecked desires.

Doris blinked in confusion, his words throwing her off balance. ‘Is he saying I’m greedy? That I want too much? she wondered.

Then she tilted her head and asked, “Mr. Hartman, I’m curious. What kind of woman do you think would be lucky enough to marry someone like the heir of the Hartman family?”

Lewis’s reply was as cold as steel. “Definitely not someone like you.”

His words cut deeper than she expected. “What’s that supposed to mean? What do you mean, ‘someone like me?” she shot back, indignant.

“You’re not his type,” Lewis answered matter–of–factly, as if it were the most obvious truth in the world.

“And how would you know that?” Doris pressed, suspicious.

“Because I just know, Lewis thought, though he didn’t voice it aloud.

Undeterred, she pushed on. “You’re not the Hartman family heir, and he’s never even met me. How would he know what type I am? Who’s to say he wouldn’t fall head over heels for me at first sight?”

Lewis rose abruptly, his face growing colder by the second. His tone was clipped and dismissive. “Go to bed. Dream all you

want.”

26

Chapter 9

inwardly. Stop daydreaming. There’s no way someone like me would

after him, trying to piece together what had just happened. She pondered. “Moments ago, everything was fine. So why did Lewis suddenly turn

morning. Doris woke up early, deciding to treat herself to

the hotel offered complimentary staff meals, she’d grown weary of the

recipe that had tantalized her taste buds the previous night while scrolling through Tik

aura of raw masculinity. Every move he made seemed calculated to mesmerize. He was a walking enigma, radiating a kind of magnetic pull that Doris found impossible to ignore.

athletic frame, hinting at the well–defined muscles beneath. Draped casually over his strong arm was a black suit jacket,

presence.

regular guy, isn’t he? So why does he look like he walked straight

with effortless grace before pulling out a chair and sitting down. “What’s that?” he asked, his sharp sense of smell catching the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen. “Quesadillas,” Doris replied with a cheerful smile. “They’re delicious. Want to try some, Mr.

polite but firm. Lewis had a strict aversion to high–carb

shut as a blissful expression spread across her face, the kind of joy that could only come

was accustomed to, Doris didn’t obsess over decorum or appearances. There was a refreshing honesty in the

really that good!” Lewis asked, his

course. The cheese and spices are balanced perfectly. The texture is divine, Doris insisted, practically glowing with enthusiasm. “You should really

sighed, “Fine, I’ll try

some left in the kitchen. I’ll get you a plate,” Doris

walk away, Lewis called after her. Just a small piece

serving of quesadillas in front of him. Her

fork with all the enthusiasm of a man facing a monumental

her effort. It’s just

Wed, 26 Feb

Chapter 9

talk, he speared a small piece and

87%1

cheese combined with perfectly spiced. seasoning in a way that awakened his

Doris asked, her voice brimming with expectation.

“It’s….a

downplay the fact that

brighter than the morning sun, and returned to

time Lewis noticed, the small plate in front of him was

extracted a black card, and placed it on the table in front of Doris. The card gleamed faintly under the morning light, its simplicity exuding quiet

furrowing in confusion as she glanced between the card and Lewis.

into this card every month for household expenses. If it’s

a sense of responsibility that momentarily stunned Doris. There was no arrogance, no strings attached–just an unspoken belief that providing was his duty as

of man who takes responsibility seriously, Doris thought, a hint of unexpected admiration creeping

into

space,” she murmured with a self–deprecating smile, surprised by the sudden change of plans.

was planning to rent a place before all of this, but since I’m staying here now, consider household expenses as