One year, one love by Aurora Miller

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Chapter 25

Chapter 25

At six in the morning, Laura woke up right on schedule.

She had barely slept for more than two hours, but it didn’t matter–she had to get up and prepare breakfast for the entire family. If she didn’t, not only would Sofia be displeased, but Matteo would surely lash out at her as well.

There was a time when the Webbs had a housekeeper to handle these tasks. But that luxury disappeared when Sofia decided Laura had failed her “duty” by not giving birth to a second child.

The housekeeper was dismissed, and Sofia smugly handed over the responsibility to Laura, justifying it by saying, “You’re young and idle–might as well put yourself to good use.”

By 7:30 a.m., Matteo had eaten and left for work.

As Laura cleared away the breakfast dishes, Sofia stood in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, her expression radiating dissatisfaction.

“Laura,” Sofia began, her tone sharp and critical, “did you upset Matteo again last night? He works so hard all day. Can you stop adding to his stress?”

Laura, utterly drained from the morning’s labor and lack of sleep, forced herself to respond calmly, “Sofia, I didn’t.” All she wanted to do right now was to lie down and have some rest.

Sofia, unconvinced, narrowed her eyes. To her, Laura’s weariness came off as defiance. Sofia scolded, “You’ve failed to give us a second grandchild, and all you’ve managed is just one child. What good is that?

“But have I made your life hard because of it? No. I’ve been patient. So don’t think for a second you can act ungrateful.

“If you upset my son again, I’ll personally see to it that you’re sent packing back to your parents‘ house. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” Laura’s voice was devoid of emotion. She couldn’t muster the strength to argue. “I’ll take Ari to school now.”

With Arianna in tow, Laura walked the short ten–minute distance to Evergreen Preschool.

“Mommy, Grandma scolded you again today, didn’t she?” Arianna’s large, innocent eyes shimmered with sadness as she looked up at her mother.

“No, sweetheart.” Laura forced a smile, her voice soft and soothing as she patted Arianna’s head. “Grandma was just speaking a bit loudly. She didn’t mean anything by it.”

“But it’s all because of me.” Arianna’s little face scrunched up with guilt. “I’ll be even better from now on, so Grandma won’t scold you anymore.”

Laura’s heart ached at those words. She knelt down and pulled her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly. “Ari, don’t think that way. It’s not true, do you hear me?

“You are Mommy’s treasure. I love you so much. Aunt Doris loves you. Grandma Peyton loves you too. We all love you.”

After calming Arianna’s little heart, Laura waved goodbye as she watched her daughter disappear through the gates of the preschool. Only then did her facade crumble.

cheeks. She covered her mouth with her hand, muffling

before she could collect herself, her phone rang, jolting her out of her moment of weakness.

that $100,000 coming along?” Jimmy’s voice was cold and impatient. “I

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Chapter 25

three days?” Laura’s voice trembled with

grew sharper as he issued his final warning.

grip tightening

Hotel and quickly immersed herself in her work. It was just past ten when her phone rang, and Lola’s voice came through, laced with urgency. “Doris, come to

swamped,” Doris replied, completely

tinged with panic. “This is really important”

choice but to agree. She rushed to the front desk and was immediately

you’re here.” Molly, Claudia’s grandaunt, latched onto Doris like a drowning person clutching at a lifeboat. “You have to talk to them. Tell them to let

going on?” Doris asked,

an expression that screamed entitlement. “Doris, Rupert said you

someone had just dumped a bucket of ice water over her head.

exactly,” Molly chimed in, her anxiety growing. “Ava’s right. They’re making us pay, and they won’t let us leave until we do. We don’t even

a train. What are we going to do if we miss it? The ticket costs a

Otherwise, if the tickets get wasted, you’re going to have

“And if you don’t compensate us, we’re not going anywhere. We’ll stay at your parents‘ house or even Rupert and Claudia’s

feel responsible. The room was filled with complaints and demands, and each person seemed more determined to get their way than the last.

eye and subtly gestured for her to step aside. Doris forced a smile at the unruly group, trying to comfort them, “Please, everyone, calm down. Let me figure

turned to Lola and asked, “How much has my family spent

on the basement

is out of his mind. Why should you be paying for his girlfriend’s entire extended family?”

cave this time. Don’t let them guilt you into footing the bill. You’ve worked too hard for

you pay this, you’ll have nothing

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Wed, 26 Feb &&

Chapter 25

I’m not gonna let you do that.”

make such a big mistake. Lola’s frustration was palpable–she hated seeing her best friend

As long as it’s not their own money, they’ll spend recklessly without a second thought. How can people

don’t owe them anything. And if your parents try to blame you for this, I’ll make sure

me, I’m no pushover. I’m not about to let them walk all over me. I’m not paying a single cent of

anchor,

relief wash over her, seeing that Doris hadn’t let familial ties

call Rupert right now,” Doris announced to the rowdy