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

Wed, 26 Feb EFA.

Chapter 12

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

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 to

flaunted with pride. Both Lola and Doris knew better than to waste their breath arguing with someone like him. Reasoning with Rupert was like

with a sigh of

you done? Doris’s voice cut through the air, ice–cold and

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

turned to the security staff. “Please escort this troublemaker out

seeing the imminent threat, raised his voice. “I’m here to make a reservation. If you dare kick me out,

to her crisp uniform. “Front Desk Manager, Lola Bates, huh? I’ll make sure you

a

someone like Rupert was pointless, and Lola knew it. After all, she came from a

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

as she watched him

a thread. She grabbed Rupert’s arm and practically

wasn’t until they’d reached a quieter spot outside that

and yanked his arm free, glaring at

want between us, but

“Oh, really? You’re going to make me regret it? Worry about yourself first. You’re the one who got kicked out of the house for disobeying Mom and Dad. And now you have the

me?”

of their favoritism shielding him from any sense of accountability though he had spent

tone was dripping with arrogance as he ordered, “Doris, if you ever want to come back to our family, you’ll do exactly as I say.

a 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 consider putting in a good word for

2/4

Chapter 12

Ca

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

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

Doris shot back, her tone laced with ley disdain.

think you’re so tough huh? You’re the one who’s messed up this family’s reputation, dragging us down like the useless dead weight you are. Why don’t you just

he raised his hand, aiming

could connect, a shadow loomed over them, and Doris felt a rush of air as someone intervened.

pained gasp escaping his lips as his arm was 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

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

and unyielding,

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