One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

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Peyton noticed the storm brewing on Jimmy’s face and quickly handed him a glass of water, hoping to ease the tension.

“Dad. Morn, please don’t argue anymore, Claudia interjected. “The house was fully paid for by the Reed family. We didn’t contribute a single cent, so I don’t want to push for anything.

“As long as I can marry Rupert and he treats me well, I’ll be completely content. Her voice was laced with sincerity and composure, and the way she gazed at Rupert, her eyes brimming with gentle affection, made her words seem all the more heartfelt

Rupert, catching the tender look in Claudia’s glistening eyes, felt his heart melt like butter on a warm summer day.

“Dad, Mom,” he began, “Claudia is entrusting her entire life to me by marrying me. She has faith in me, and I should give her the security she deserves.

“If you want grandchildren, then the least we can do is add her name to the house deed.” His loyalty towards Claudia was unwavering, and his words carried a subtle but firm challenge to his parents.

To Rupert, there was nothing in the world he wouldn’t give Claudia if she asked for it, let alone adding her name on the deed.

But to Jimmy and Peyton, the Robinsons were beginning to seem a bit too demanding and greedy.

Jimmy, despite his unwavering love for Rupert since he was a boy, couldn’t ignore the gravity of marriage. It wasn’t something to rush into without careful consideration.

Seeing his father’s hesitation, Rupert leaned forward, his voice pressing but steady. “Dad, you’ve always told me that everything you have will eventually be mine. If that’s the case, then what’s mine is Claudia’s too.

“Adding her name to the deed is only fair. Please, Dad, just agree to it. Either way, I’m not marrying anyone but Claudia.”

“Rupert, don’t speak to your parents like that,” Claudia quickly cut in, her voice soft. “They have their reasons, and I understand. If they’re against it, then let’s not push them.”

Before she could finish her sentence, Claudia’s face turned pale, and she covered her mouth as she gagged slightly. Everyone’s expressions immediately shifted, the atmosphere growing tense with alarm.

Maisie, however, broke into a wide grin. “Claudia, could it be… are you pregnant?”

“L… Claudia hesitated, her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment. “My period is late this month…”

“That’s a clear sign,” Maisie declared with delight, her eyes darting toward Peyton. “You’ve had children, Peyton. You know what I mean, right?”

Peyton nodded thoughtfully, also thinking it was true. “If Claudia’s pregnant, that’s wonderful news.”

Rupert seized the moment, his tone carrying a subtle urgency as he turned to his parents. “Dad, Mom, Claudia is carrying my child–a Reed family child. What’s there to worry about now?”

to lift. Finally, with a begrudging nod, he said, “If she’s really pregnant, then

lit up her face as she said warmly, “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Reed.

you live happily together and have plenty of children,” Jimmy replied, his thoughts clearly

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sparkling with shared happiness. “With Claudia looking so radiant, she must be carrying a strong, healthy baby,” Rupert said,

for dinner at the hotel, indulging in a celebratory feast. The group even decided to extend their stay

annoyed. He hadn’t anticipated the Robinsons showing up with so many freeloaders who seemed determined to eat and drink to their heart’s content at

expense.

costs in his mind, his irritation simmered quietly beneath

his words soft but firm. Whatever he said seemed to work, as the stern lines on Jimmy’s face finally

a faint smile, the tension dissipating from his features at last.

dinner, as they left the hotel, Jimmy stopped Laura and reminded her again, “Laura, don’t forget–the wedding gift. If you can’t come up with the money, you’ll ruin your brother’s

her daughter Arianna close. The vibrant, flickering city lights

handed over half her salary to her father without complaint. After marrying Matteo, her mother–in–law had insisted she quit her job to focus

of her own and her days tethered to the household,

pulled out her phone, scrolling through her contact list, searching for someone she could confide in. But the names on the screen

hold, her phone buzzed with an incoming call

deep breath, trying to

tried to call me earlier,” Doris said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “I was

the tremor in her voice betrayed her. She sniffled softly, trying

you been crying?” Doris’s perceptive tone immediately picked up on the

Doris would shatter the fragile dam holding back her emotions. She came up with an excuse and hung up

her phone, she saw the call had already ended. A lingering unease settled in her chest. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was

found Doris lost in thought by the kitchen island. He called her name twice but she didn’t

asked, his brow furrowed as

worries. “It’s

yet comforting spread–steaks,

plate the food, Doris’s eyes caught something unusual. There, on the

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faded, it

your hand?” Doris asked, setting down her bowl as she reached out to inspect it more closely.

smoothly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “Someone bit me when

realization dawned. “Wait…

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