One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

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Doris bat down on her lip, swallowing the bitterness surging within her. She forced herself to act as though Ryan didn’t exist, treating him like nothing more than air.

Ryan’s gaze swept over her, seated silently at the table, her thick lashes casting soft shadows over her cheeks.

His lips curved into a smug smile, his eyes glinting with self–satisfaction. He cleared his throat and spoke with polished charm, “Guys, my apologies for being late. To make up for it. I’ve brought you guys some gifts. Hope you’ll like them.”

His impeccable looks and suave demeanor were enough to draw admiring glances from the young women there, especially from Claudia’s younger cousin, Ava Robinson, whose eyes practically sparkled with infatuation.

One by one. Ryan’s subordinates handed out gift bags to Claudia’s relatives. Even the children received their share. Each bag contained a diamond–encrusted watch–a gesture so extravagant it left the room buzzing with astonishment.

“Wow, this is real diamond?” someone gasped, holding the watch up to the light, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“Diamonds! Now that’s worth something, another chimed in.

“This is the first time I’ve ever received a gift like this. A diamond watch, no less. Talk about luxury,” a third exclaimed, clearly awed.

Claudia’s

is family beamed with joy, their faces lit up with smiles as they admired their new treasures.

Ryan’s grand gesture not only impressed the crowd but also deeply stroked Jimmy’s ego.

He basked in the moment, his chest puffed out with pride as he declared, “Allow me to introduce Mr. Ryan Watson, the CEO of Watson Group, Rupert’s esteemed boss, and–more importantly–my daughter Doris’s boyfriend.*

“You’re truly blessed to have a future son–in–law like Mr. Watson, Jimmy,” Andre Robinson, Claudia’s father, said with admiration. “Now I feel even more assured about Claudia marrying Rupert

“So, Jimmy,” chimed in Maisie Robinson, Claudia’s mother, “when are Doris and Mr. Watson tying the knot?”

In Maisie’s mind, this connection made their families even closer. She thought, If the Reed family and Watson family become in–laws, and we’re tied to the Reeds, that makes us practically family with the Watsons too. Who in Hampstone would dare look down on Claudia then?

Jimmy beamed, his face alight with pride, “Soon. And rest assured, we’ll host a grand celebration–you’ll all be invited to the wedding.”

His words ignited a spark of fury in Doris. She shot to her feet, her tone as cold as the arctic winds. “Ryan and I broke up a long time ago. There will never be a wedding between us.”

Her declaration was like a punch in the guts to everyone present. The lively, cheerful atmosphere froze instantly.

his sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an intensity that could cut glass.

… is the

Doris, the disruption clearly fueling his anger. Tve made it clear–Ryan is only one I will ever acknowledge as your future husband. Anyone else will

expression twisted with worry. “Doris, don’t say such hurtful things. We all know how good Ryan’s been to you. Don’t be so ungrateful.”

wrong with you? Mr. Watson is practically

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Chapter 18

of the full story, tried to mediate, Doris, is there some misunderstanding between you and Mr Warson! Don’t keep bringing up breaking up.

carried a sharp edge. Doris, I’m going to say something you

think someone like him hasn’t seen his for share of beautiful women? You’re lucky that he chose you. It’s like

like him. Don’t be rash and throw away what you’ve

Ryan as her boyfriend. Deep down, she wished it

the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family was crucial. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered trying

and I know how to judge

why Doris would even consider breaking up with him. They thought she

few even had the audacity to stand up and openly

confidently toward Doris, her words sharp and bold. “Doris, if you really want to break up with Mr. Watson, then don’t mind if I

gaze lingering on him, dripping with

Ruth,

Ruth, let me make one

smug smile return. His handsome face radiated confidence as if the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.

She turned her gaze on Ava, her lips curling into a serene smile. “Be my guest. It doesn’t matter to me—because I’m

features, and for a fleeting moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes.

his disbelief with a calm, unyielding gaze, though puzzled by his overconfidence. I’m not

“Then bring this so–called husband

her tone grew icy. “Ryan, I’ll make sure you give up on this.

strode out of the private room, her chest heaving as she struggled to calm herself. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and called Lewis. Each second that passed felt like an eternity

raced.

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Wed, 26 Feb

Chapter 18

resonated through the

magun

from the

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