One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The morning after covering Kayla’s night shift, Doris nearly overslept. She rushed to the hotel, only to be greeted by a commotion in the lobby. Her younger brother, Rupert, was making a scene, his voice echoing throughout the space.

“Where’s Dori Get her out here. I need to see her he demanded.

A small crowd had already gathered, their curiosity piqued by the outburst.

Lola wasn’t having it. Her tone was sharp as she said, “This is a hotel, not your living room. We’re trying to work here. If you want to make a fuss, take it outside. Otherwise, I’ll call security.

Lola knew a fair bit about Doris’s family dynamics. She particularly disliked how Doris’s parents spoiled Rupert while neglecting Doris, a fact that only deepened her disdain for him.

Doris hurried forward, grabbing Rupert’s arm in an attempt to diffuse the situation. “Rupert, whatever it is, let’s talk outside. okay?

But Rupert wasn’t about to back down. He yanked his arm free, his expression full of contempt. “No. We’ll talk right here. Doris, you’re so selfish.

“Mom wanted to book this hotel for me, thinking you work here and it’d be good to support your business.

“And yet, you had the audacity to convince her to go for some cheap hotel, claiming it was to save money for my wedding.”

He continued, each word dripping with anger, “We’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars–chump change. It’s not even your money, so who do you think you are, making decisions for us? I’ve always been Mom and Dad’s favorite, and you just can’t stand it.

“You’re jealous of the way they treat me. That’s why you don’t want Mom booking Hampstone Hotel. You want to see me humiliated in front of Claudia’s family, don’t you?”

Rupert let out a derisive laugh. “You’re bitter because you got dumped. That’s why you can’t stand anyone else being happy and tried to sabotage my relationship. You vile, spiteful wretch. No wonder Mr. Watson left you. If I were him, I wouldn’t want you either.

Rupert’s tirade flowed with unabashed venom, each word like a dagger aimed straight at Doris’s heart. And yet, under the curious gazes of passersby, Doris stood there, silent and composed, as if the insults weren’t meant for her at all.

Lola, on the other hand, was fuming. She couldn’t stand by and let Rupert tear Doris down like this. She opened her mouth to speak, but Doris quickly caught her arm, and the silent plea in her eyes stopped Lola from doing so.

Doris knew Lola’s fiery temper and her unwavering loyalty as a friend, but this wasn’t the time. As the front desk manager, Lola couldn’t afford to say anything unprofessional in front of guests at work.

If word got back to upper management, it could lead to disciplinary action, Doris couldn’t let her best friend take that risk on her behalf.

But Lola wasn’t one to care about consequences when her best friend was being mistreated. She folded her arms and glared at Rupert, her voice dripping with disdain.

“Rupert, do you even hear yourself? Doris works hard and earns her own living. What about you? All you do is leech off your parents. What exactly are you so proud of?”

She stepped closer. “If you’ve got so much to say, how about paying for the hotel yourself? I might actually respect you then. But using your parents hard–earned money? That’s nothing to brag about.

“Honestly, no woman in her right mind would wanna marry a man like you.”

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Chapter 12

you think you are? What gives you the right to butt into our business?” Rupert sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “Mom and

not my fault Doris can’t get them to cough up

flaunted with pride. Both Lola and Doris knew better than to waste their breath arguing with someone like him. Reasoning with Rupert was like trying to teach a brick wall how

Lola muttered with a

the air, ice–cold and steady. “If you’ve got nothing else to say, then piss

off? Fine. Just wait. Fll tell Dad, and he’ll deal with you.” He brandished the threat of their father, Jimmy, like

the security staff. “Please escort this troublemaker out

approached Rupert, who, seeing the imminent threat, raised his voice. “I’m here to make a reservation. If

the name tag pinned to her crisp uniform. “Front Desk Manager, Lola Bates,

guest, Lola replied with a calm smile, her

Lola knew it. After all, she came from a wealthy family herself. Losing her job would hardly spell disaster–at worst, she’d fall back on her inheritance.

him visibly deflated. Still, he wasn’t about to let it go. “Fine. Just you wait. Where’s your manager? I’m filing a formal complaint. Ill make sure they know how rude

as she watched him rant like a clown.

had enough. “Come with me. Her voice was firm, her patience hanging by a thread. She grabbed Rupert’s arm and practically dragged him out

quieter spot outside that she let go, stepping back with a deliberate

her hand and yanked his arm free, glaring

between us, but if you even think about targeting my coworkers or my friends.

first. You’re the one who got kicked out of the house for disobeying Mom and Dad. And now you have the nerve to lecture

me?”

the weight of their favoritism shielding him from any sense of accountability though he had spent years bullying Doris.

he ordered, “Doris, if you ever want to come back to

few tables at your hotel, reserve ten rooms, and cover all the expenses for the alcohol, cigarettes, and beverages. yourself. If you listen, I might

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Chapter 12

Ca

But if you refuse I’ll

Doric’s iromachi chiarn. He genuinely believed he had her

out of your damn mind? Or just plain stupid Doris shot back, her tone laced with ley disdain. She had no intention of playing the fool and letting herself

one who’s messed

he raised his hand, aiming to

felt a rush of air as someone intervened. A strong hand caught Rupert’s wrist mid–swing and twisted it sharply

he couldn’t budge. “Who are you?” Rupert managed through gritted teeth, his face contorted in pain as he craned his

and relief as she saw Lewis standing there, calm but radiating an aura of quiet menace. For a fleeting moment, be looked almost otherworldly–like a guardian angel descending to rescue

Lewis demanded, his voice low and unyielding, the sharp edge of

owe her anything,” Rupert growled, though the tremor in his