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 begrudging

this, Claudia couldn’t contain her joy. A bright smile lit up her face as she said warmly, “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Reed. I promise to take good care of Rupert

of children,”

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Chapter 23

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and Claudia exchanged a look, their eyes sparkling with shared happiness. “With Claudia looking so radiant, she must be carrying a strong, healthy baby,” Rupert said, his grin stretching from car to

that evening, the Robinsons‘ relatives and friends gathered for dinner at the hotel, indulging in a celebratory

hadn’t anticipated the Robinsons showing up with so many freeloaders who seemed determined

expense.

calculated the costs in his mind, his

soft but firm. Whatever he said seemed to work, as the stern lines

a faint smile, the tension dissipating from his features

again, “Laura, don’t forget–the wedding gift. If you can’t come up with the money, you’ll ruin your brother’s happiness for the rest of his life. And if

flickering city lights blurred before her eyes, mirroring the

salary to her father without complaint. After marrying Matteo, her

income of her own and her days tethered to the household, she had nowhere to turn

contact list, searching for someone she could confide in. But the names on the screen felt distant, none of them close

to take hold, her phone

trying to steady

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

replied, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. She

immediately picked up on the faint quiver in her

I’m just about to head home. Let’s 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 and hung up

something else, but when she looked at her phone, she saw the call had already ended. A lingering

bedroom, freshly showered, and found Doris lost in thought by the kitchen island. He called her name twice but she didn’t respond,

asked, his brow furrowed as he

her worries. “It’s

simple yet comforting

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

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Chapter 23

color had faded, it was still

setting down her bowl as she

withdrew his hand smoothly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “Someone bit

as realization dawned. “Wait…

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