One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Lewis’s calm, crisp voice suddenly echoed in Doris’s cars, sharp and undeniable.

Everyone in the room turned toward the doorway, their expressions shifting from disdain to astonishment. There stood Lewis, tall and commanding, exuding an air of aristocratic elegance that was impossible to ignore.

His striking features seemed carved from marble, each detail flawless under the glow of the room’s crystal chandeliers.

Doris blinked, almost convinced her mind was playing tricks on her. But it was really him. The shock of his unexpected arrival sent a ripple of joy coursing through her veins, warming her from the inside out.

Lewis’s gaze landed on her, steady and unreadable. Before she could stop herself, she dashed toward him, her excitement spilling over like sunlight breaking through a storm. She smiled, her voice brimming with delight. “You’re here.”

“Yeah” He gave a curt nod, his acknowledgment both subtle and reassuring.

Doris leaned closer, lowering her voice as she asked with a tentative smile, “Can I borrow your arm for a bit?”

Lewis didn’t hesitate. With a fluid motion, he bent his arm slightly, offering it to her. Doris slid her hand into place, the gesture natural and seamless.

She needed to sell the act. In front of her parents and Ryan, there could be no cracks in the illusion.

Doris clung to Lewis’s arm as they stepped into the private room, her head held high as if their closeness were the most natural thing in the world.

The moment they entered, the atmosphere shifted. Lewis didn’t merely walk into the room–he claimed it. His presence demanded attention, his sharp gaze and effortless poise drawing every eye to him.

If Ryan was charming, Lewis was breathtaking.

Lewis wore his usual crisp white shirt, tailored to perfection, accentuating the disciplined lines of his lean frame. His black slacks emphasized the athletic, powerful legs beneath.

Under the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers, his chiseled features appeared even more striking, the light carving shadows across his flawless bone structure. His deep–set eyes, enigmatic and piercing, carried a quiet intensity that seemed to strip

away pretense.

Even Ryan, with his privileged upbringing and polished demeanor, couldn’t compare. The crack in Ryan’s confident facade was almost audible; his expression faltered, disbelief etched onto his face.

Ryan’s thoughts raced as he took in the man before him. He pondered, ‘Where on earth did Doris find someone like him? Even if I don’t know who he is, I feel intimidated by him.

The others were equally stunned, and they were all convinced that a man this perfect couldn’t possibly be a con artist

“Dad, Mom, this is my husband, Lewis Hartman.” Doris’s voice broke the spell, snapping everyone back to reality.

Lewis inclined his head politely. “Nice to meet you all, everyone.”

Jimmy, however, remained skeptical, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the man who now claimed to be Doris’s husband. He hadn’t expected Doris to marry someone with an appearance and aura even more impressive than Ryan’s.

are married?” he

pocket

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Chapter 19

him with practiced ease, unfolding it before her parents and Ryan She held it up, her heart pounding bor her expression serene. This is undeniable proof, she thought, her lips curving into a subtle,

argue with this.

care what this says, I don’t approve of this marriage, and I will never accept you as my son–in–law. Ryan is the only one I recognize”

with an unyielding gaze. “Your approval doesn’t matter,” she said coolly. The low

document, his jaw tightening as he registered the date. His cold eyes narrowed, his

the very next day, you married him Were you already involved with

was a bite in his words, a self–righteous indignation that suggested betrayal. His question hung in the air like a blade, poised to strike. It was as if

My marriage happened after our breakup- whether it was a day, an hour, or even a minute later.

You’ve always been so

better than you after we split. You expected me to stay in the same spot, pitifully waiting for your return, begging for your mercy. In your mind, even after the breakup,

sharper with each sentence. “But now that I’ve married someone taller, better–looking. and so far out of your league, you

That’s not real love. Why would I waste my life pining after you. degrading myself for someone like you? 111 marry whoever I want, whenever I want.

word hit Ryan like a hammer, each syllable a direct strike to his fragile

taller than him, his presence so effortlessly

Don’t tell me you’re

calm, melodic tone carrying a faint

light yet so devastating that it left Ryan momentarily stunned.

his voice sharpening, trying once more to sow discord. “You think she truly loves you? She’s only using you

Doris moved in front of him, her expression fierce as she countered, “Ryan, let me make one thing very clear. My husband is this handsome,

no shame? Shut your mouth,” he

gently pulled Doris back to his side, his calm demeanor unwavering as he looked at Ryan. “Mr. Watson, no need to be so upset. I know she

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Chapter 19

rubble with a few words, leaving him defenseless

admiration. For the first time, she appreciated his sharp tongue

something deeper, was a look Ryan had never seen directed at him.

your eyes are practically glowing green, Doris said, her tone dripping with mockery as she turned her attention back

standing firm beside her, Ryan had no choice but to

and humiliated by Lewis and Doris. His expression twisted with fury and shame, his voice trembling as

you for the compliment.” Doris replied with a bright

boiling over. With one last glare, he stormed out of the room, his heavy footsteps echoing as the door slammed

frustration boiling over as he rushed to chase after Ryan. “Ryan, don’t leave! Wait a moment

enough to glance back, his tone icy. “Mr. Reed, I’m

how busy you are, you still need to eat before you go,” Jimmy said, his voice softening into an almost pleading tone. “You’re a very important guest to me–Rupert’s

an honor for my family to have you here. No one has the right to drive you out. I’ll make