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.

vanished, his sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an

… is the

anger. Tve made it clear–Ryan is only one I will ever acknowledge as your future husband. Anyone else will never receive

Doris’s hand, her expression twisted with worry. “Doris, don’t say such hurtful things. We all know how good Ryan’s been to

Mr. Watson is practically perfect. And you wanna break up with him? You must’ve lost your mind.”

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Chapter 18

between you and Mr Warson! Don’t keep bringing up breaking up. I’ll be bad

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

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

Don’t be rash and throw

truth. Maisie envied Doris for having someone like Ryan as her boyfriend. Deep down, she wished it were her

the Reed family, Maisie knew that maintaining the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family

face etched with disappointment. Tm eighty years old, and

couldn’t fathom why Doris would even

few even had the audacity to stand up and

Doris, her words sharp and bold. “Doris, if you really want to break up with Mr.

cast a coy glance at Ryan, her gaze lingering on him, dripping with barely veiled infatuation.

Ava,” chimed her parents, Billy and Ruth, whose envy of Doris was

me make one thing clear–Ryan is Doris’s boyfriend and no

him, let his smug smile return. His handsome face radiated confidence as

her lips curling into a serene smile. “Be

refined, self–assured smile vanished in an instant. Shock rippled across his striking features, and for a fleeting moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes. “Impossible.

calm, unyielding gaze, though puzzled by his overconfidence. I’m not that childish,

composure cracking further. “Then bring this so–called husband of yours here. Let me see him.”

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

glance at him, she 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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26

Chapter 18

the receiver, udh and

magun

your from the d

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