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?”

of his earlier reservations beginning to lift. Finally, with a

lit up her face as she said warmly, “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Reed. I promise to take good

plenty of children,” Jimmy replied, his thoughts clearly more focused on ensuring

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

relatives and friends gathered for dinner at the hotel, indulging in a celebratory feast. The group

beginning to wear on him, making him annoyed. He hadn’t anticipated the Robinsons showing up with

expense.

the costs in his mind, his

firm. Whatever he said seemed to

it your way,” Jimmy said with a faint smile, the tension dissipating from

reminded her again, “Laura, don’t forget–the wedding gift. If you can’t come up with the money, you’ll ruin your

Arianna close. The vibrant, flickering city lights blurred before her

Laura had handed over half her salary to her father without complaint. After marrying

and her days tethered to

out her phone, scrolling through her contact list, searching for someone she could confide in. But the names on the screen felt distant, none of them close enough

began to take hold, her phone buzzed with an incoming

to steady

me earlier,” Doris said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “I was resting and missed it. I’m fine, really. But are

replied, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. She sniffled softly, trying to hold it together.

perceptive tone immediately picked up on the

talk later, okay?” Laura cut in quickly, afraid that any more kindness from Doris would shatter the fragile dam holding back her emotions. She came up with an excuse

she looked at her phone, she saw the call had already ended.

the bedroom, freshly showered, and found Doris lost in thought by the kitchen island. He

wrong?” Lewis asked, his brow furrowed as he

blinked, pulling herself back from her worries. “It’s nothing. Dinner’s ready.

comforting spread–steaks,

the food, Doris’s eyes caught something unusual. There, on the back of his

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had faded, it was still noticeable.

setting down her bowl as she

at his lips. “Someone bit me when she was

realization dawned.

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