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?”

exhaled heavily, the weight of his earlier reservations beginning to lift. Finally, with a begrudging nod, he said, “If she’s really pregnant, then

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

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

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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

indulging in a celebratory feast. The group even decided to

Jimmy, however, the growing expenses were beginning to wear on him, making him annoyed. He hadn’t anticipated the Robinsons showing up with

expense.

calculated the costs in his mind, his irritation

he said seemed to work, as the stern lines on Jimmy’s face finally

faint smile, the tension dissipating from his

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

the dark, endless’sky, holding her daughter Arianna close. The vibrant, flickering city lights blurred before her eyes, mirroring the storm brewing in her

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, she had nowhere

for someone she could confide in. But the names on the screen felt distant, none of them close enough to lean on in

her phone buzzed with an incoming call from

deep breath, trying to steady her

said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “I was resting and

tremor in her voice betrayed her. She sniffled softly,

picked up on the faint quiver in

more kindness from Doris would shatter the fragile dam holding back her emotions. She came up with

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

in thought by the kitchen island. He called her name twice but

wrong?” Lewis asked, his brow furrowed as

herself back from her worries. “It’s

a simple yet comforting spread–steaks, steamed broccoli, and clam chowder.

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

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Chapter 23

had faded, it

happened to your hand?” Doris asked, setting down her bowl

hand smoothly, a wry smile tugging at his

dropped as realization dawned. “Wait… was

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