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.”

1/4

26 Feb

Chapter 12

do you think you are? What gives you the right to butt into our business?” Rupert sneered, his voice dripping with

your own? And anyway, it’s not my fault Doris can’t get them to cough up for her. If they want to give her money, that’s up

was astonishing–what others might find embarrassing, he flaunted with pride. Both Lola and Doris knew better than to waste their

insufferable. Lola muttered with a sigh of

through the air, ice–cold and steady.

Dad, and he’ll deal with you.” He brandished the threat of their father, Jimmy, like a weapon, his tone laced with petty

security staff. “Please escort this troublemaker

here to make a reservation. If you dare kick me out, I’ll file a complaint. And you…

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

a

was pointless, and Lola knew it. After all, she came from a wealthy family herself. Losing

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 you were, how you humiliated me with that arrogant

didn’t bother responding, her expression blank as she

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 of the hotel, her grip as unyielding

reached a quieter spot outside that she let go, stepping back

her hand and yanked his arm free, glaring at her. “Don’t

sting spreading across her hand, Doris warned, “Rupert, you can stir up whatever drama you want between us, but if you even think about targeting my coworkers or my friends. I promise I’ll make you

it? Worry about yourself first. You’re the one who

me?”

puffed up with the entitlement their parents had fed him for years, the weight of their favoritism shielding him from any sense of accountability though

tone was dripping with arrogance as he ordered, “Doris, if you ever want to

hotel, reserve ten rooms, and cover all the expenses for the alcohol, cigarettes, and beverages. yourself. If you listen, I might consider putting in a good word for you with Dad. He only listens to me anyway.

2/4

Chapter 12

Ca

sinister whisper, But if you refuse I’ll make sure Ezad punishes you and

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

you 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 be taken for a sucker.

You’re the one who’s messed up this

he raised his hand, aiming to

shadow loomed over them, and Doris felt a rush of air as someone intervened. A strong hand

pinned so forcefully he couldn’t budge. “Who are you?” Rupert managed through gritted teeth, his face contorted in pain as he craned his neck to look at the

eyes widened in shock 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 her from this nightmare.

and unyielding, the sharp edge of command unmistakable.

For what? I don’t owe her anything,” Rupert growled, though the tremor in his voice betrayed