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.

two are married?” he asked, his tone heavy with

replied, his voice steady and unflinching. Reaching into the pocket of his slacks, he produced a folded document. -their marriage

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Chapter 19

unfolding it before her parents and Ryan She held it up, her heart pounding bor her expression serene. This is undeniable proof,

argue with this.

approve of this marriage, and I will never accept you as my

approval doesn’t matter,” she said coolly. The

his jaw tightening as he registered the date. His cold eyes narrowed, his face darkening as though a storm had passed over him.

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

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

as morally bankrupt as you. My marriage happened after

remains that we were done. You’ve always been so arrogant, so full of yourself.

after we split. You expected me to stay in the same spot, pitifully waiting

of your

waste my life pining after you. degrading myself

word hit Ryan like a hammer, each syllable a direct

darted up to Lewis who looked much taller than him, his presence so effortlessly commanding it was

the next. Don’t tell me you’re clueless about

carrying a faint note of amusement. “It’s

Ryan momentarily stunned. Lewis didn’t even need

his voice sharpening, trying once more to

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

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

calm demeanor unwavering as he looked at Ryan. “Mr. Watson,

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with a few words, leaving him defenseless and humiliated.

found herself looking up at Lewis with admiration. For the first time, she appreciated his sharp tongue as a

was a look Ryan had never seen

with mockery as she turned her attention back

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

and Doris. His expression twisted with

you for the compliment.” Doris replied with a

frustration boiling over. With one last glare, he stormed out of the room, his heavy footsteps

his frustration boiling over as he rushed to chase after Ryan. “Ryan, don’t

his head just enough to glance back, his tone icy. “Mr. Reed, I’m a busy man.”

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

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