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.

he asked,

into the pocket of his slacks, he produced a folded document. -their marriage

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Chapter 19

took it from him with practiced ease, unfolding it before her parents and Ryan She held it up, her heart pounding bor her expression serene. This

argue with this.

with anger, his voice rising. “I don’t care what this says, I don’t approve of this marriage, and I will never accept you

approval doesn’t matter,” she said coolly.

as he registered the date. His cold eyes narrowed, his face darkening as though

accusing as he turned to Doris “You broke up with me, and the very next day, you married him Were you

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

out a cold laugh. “Ryan, not everyone is as morally bankrupt as you. My marriage happened after our breakup-

You’ve always been so arrogant, so full

pitifully waiting

pause, her words coming sharper with each sentence. “But now that I’ve 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,

love. Why would I waste my life pining after you. degrading myself for

syllable a direct strike

looked much taller than him, his presence

spat, “She dumped me one day and married you the next. Don’t tell me you’re clueless

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

left Ryan momentarily stunned.

surface as he stepped closer to Lewis, the mocking edge in his voice sharpening, trying once more to sow discord. “You think she

clear. My husband is this handsome, and I fell for him at first sight. I practically chased after him, refusing to

shame? Shut your mouth,” he spat, his face red

demeanor unwavering as he looked at Ryan. “Mr. Watson, no need to be so upset. I know she dumped

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Chapter 19

rubble with a few words, leaving him defenseless

up at Lewis with admiration. For the first time, she appreciated his sharp tongue

something deeper, was a look Ryan had

dripping with mockery as she turned her attention back to Ryan. “So, are you planning

Ryan had no choice but to acknowledge defeat. Staying would only deepen

felt utterly crushed and humiliated by Lewis and Doris. His expression twisted with fury and shame, his voice

for the compliment.” Doris replied with a bright

stormed out of the room,

later,” Jimmy roared at Doris, his frustration boiling over as he rushed to chase after Ryan. “Ryan,

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

voice

here. No one has the right to