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.

you two are married?” he asked, his tone

Lewis replied, his voice steady and unflinching. Reaching into the pocket of his slacks, he produced

1/4

Wed, 26 Feb FE

Chapter 19

She held it up, her heart pounding bor her expression serene. This is undeniable proof, she thought, her

argue with this.

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

her father’s fury with an unyielding gaze. “Your approval doesn’t matter,” she said coolly. The low recognizes us 24 husband and wife–that’s all that counts.”

was staring at the document, his jaw tightening as he registered the date. His cold eyes

“You broke up with me, and the very next day, you married

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 he’d declared her guilty of the

bankrupt as you. My marriage happened after our breakup- whether

You’ve always

me to stay in the same spot, pitifully waiting for your return, begging for your mercy. In your mind, even after

married someone taller, better–looking. and so far out of your league, you can’t stand it, can you? You’ve lost control of the narrative, and it’s eating you alive and making you mad

Why would I waste my life pining after you. degrading myself for someone like you? 111 marry whoever I want, whenever I

a hammer, each syllable a direct strike to his fragile ego.

Lewis who looked much taller than him,

the next. Don’t tell me you’re clueless about the fact she’s using you

aware,” Lewis replied, his calm, melodic tone carrying a faint note of amusement. “It’s just survival

were so light yet so devastating that it left Ryan momentarily stunned. Lewis didn’t even need to try to

sharpening, trying once more to sow discord. “You think she truly loves you?

as she countered, “Ryan, let me make one thing very clear. My husband is this handsome, and I fell for him at first

“Have you no shame? Shut your mouth,”

to his side, his calm demeanor unwavering as he looked at Ryan. “Mr. Watson, no need to be so upset. I know she dumped you, but it’s no reason to be so

2/4

26 Feb

Chapter 19

had reduced Ryan to rubble with

Lewis with admiration. For the first time, she

something deeper, was a look Ryan

Doris said, her tone dripping with mockery as she turned her attention back to

standing firm beside her, Ryan had no

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

Doris replied with a bright smile, her

stormed out of

mouth! I’ll deal with you later,” Jimmy roared at Doris, his frustration boiling over as he

halted briefly, turning his head just enough to glance back, his tone icy.

before you go,” Jimmy said, his voice softening into an almost pleading tone. “You’re a very important

my family to have you here. No one has the right to drive