One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Laura paused briefly, her voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and regret as she continued, “Rupert wouldn’t stop taunting Doris that day. He told her she had to bark like a dog if she wanted a taste of his treat.

“Furious, Doris fought back. When our parents came home and saw the scratches on Rupert’s neck, they didn’t even bother to hear Doris’s side of the story.

“My dad just launched into a tirade, punishing her without a second thought. That night, she wasn’t allowed dinner and was made to stand outside in the yard to reflect,”

Her voice faltered slightly, the painful memory still raw. “It started pouring rain, and Doris collapsed outside. When we got her to the hospital, her fever had spiked to 102.2°F, and it wouldn’t come down.

“The doctors said it had developed into pneumonia. She was in treatment for over a month and barely survived.”

Laura let out a deep sigh before adding, “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And it did make her stronger. You’re like a silver lining in her hard life. I’m sorry, I’ve probably said too much…”

“Not at all,” Lewis replied, his tone refined and reassuring. “It helps me understand her better.”

Laura’s sigh carried a weight of years gone by. “When Doris got into college, our parents refused to let her attend. They claimed they couldn’t afford it, even when she offered to take out student loans.

“But when Rupert barely managed to get into a community college, they threw a celebration and spent money on him without a second thought.

“Doris ended up working for over two months during the summer, scraping together as much as she could for tuition. I had just started working at the time and helped her with the rest.

“She worked her way through all four years of university, covering her tuition and living expenses by herself. I’d send her money whenever I could, but she shouldered the majority of it alone. That’s how she made it to graduation.”

Laura’s voice softened, filled with an aching sorrow. “She’s been through so much. That’s why she always believes she can only rely on herself. Doris works tirelessly because, to her, money is the only thing that offers security.

“She thinks it’s the only thing that won’t betray her. But underneath it all, she’s deeply insecure. She won’t let herself depend on anyone, swallows her pain, and bears every burden alone.

“She’s too strong for her own good, and it breaks my heart to watch. Please, Lewis, take good care of her. I’m counting on you.”

Her earnest plea hung in the air, as if this was the only thing she, as an older sister, could do for Doris.

Lewis felt an unexpected wave of emotion stirring within him. For someone who often prided himself on his cold and detached demeanor, hearing Doris’s story struck a nerve he hadn’t expected. “I will,” he said simply, his voice steady but laced with quiet determination.

“Thank you,” Laura said, a note of relief in her voice. “I’ll let you go now. Goodbye.”

of a brief moment to check in, sneaking out after lunch while Doris’s parents, Claudia’s parents, Rupert, and Claudia were still

the meeting, Maisie’s expression darkened. She turned to Jimmy

you even have the funds to support us? I

panicked the moment he heard the possibility of not being able to marry Claudia. His

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Chapter 22

agree that Claudia and I

85%

+5

with a measured tone, “Rupert, I do like you, but there are some hard truths I need to address. That one million

it normal for the groom to have a house and a car before marriage?”

mother, I can’t stand by and watch Claudia marry

cherished since the day she was born. I hope you

never let Claudia bear the burden of that one million dollars. My parents aren’t

his eyes filled with unwavering affection. “I truly love Claudia,

composure and pride in front of the Robinson family, chimed in with confidence, “Maisie, let me assure you, the one million dollars is compensation for Ryan and Doris’s breakup. We

it back, one million dollars is nothing to our family. We can handle it just fine. There’s no scenario where Claudia would have to

beamed, “Jimmy, I’m so

her tone firm yet matter–of–fact. “Rupert, there’s one more condition. Every

rest assured that she’ll be in good hands. If you can’t do this, I won’t agree to this marriage.” With these words, Maisie effectively absolved Rupert and Claudia, the young couple,

hesitate.

about the money–you

marriage negotiation. She knew that if the money wasn’t secured before

give it to you.” Rupert glanced at Jimmy, his voice resolute. “Dad, this wedding gift was

a practiced smile, “The money will be given to Claudia in

tightened as she lowered her gaze,

discreetly pinched Rupert’s palm,

to the city hall in

to the deed for the house. That way,

Andre and Maisie, perfectly addressing their unspoken concerns. They had already discussed bringing this up

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