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.

sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an intensity that could cut

… is the

disruption clearly fueling his anger. Tve made it clear–Ryan is only one I will ever

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

scoffed, “Doris, what’s wrong with you? Mr. Watson is

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Chapter 18

misunderstanding between you and Mr Warson! Don’t keep bringing up

a sharp edge. Doris, I’m going to say something you might not like. You’re

utterly devoted to you. Do you really think someone like him hasn’t seen his for

a boyfriend like him. Don’t be rash and throw away what you’ve got, or you’ll

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

that maintaining the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family was crucial. Otherwise, she wouldn’t

and I know how to judge people. You’re lucky to

family, Ryan was nothing short of the perfect boyfriend. They couldn’t fathom why Doris would even consider

few even had the audacity to stand up and openly

want to break up with Mr.

at Ryan, her gaze lingering on him, dripping with barely

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

one thing clear–Ryan is Doris’s boyfriend and

His handsome face radiated confidence as if the outcome was already a foregone

into a serene smile. “Be my guest. It

smile vanished in an instant. Shock rippled across his striking features, and for a fleeting moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes. “Impossible. Doris, you’re only saying this to provoke

gaze, though puzzled by his overconfidence. I’m not that childish, Ryan. You’re not worth the effort.”

cracking further. “Then bring this so–called

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

private room, her chest heaving as she struggled to calm herself. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and

raced.

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26 Feb

Chapter 18

deep voice resonated through the receiver, udh and me he

magun

from the d

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