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.

down her cheeks. She covered her mouth with

her phone rang, jolting her out of her moment of

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

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Chapter 25

three days?” Laura’s voice trembled

done, Jimmy’s tone grew sharper as he issued his final warning. “And don’t make me come to your house

her teeth, her grip tightening around the

work. It was just past ten when her phone rang, and Lola’s voice came through, laced with

replied, completely occupied

voice was urgent, tinged with panic. “This is really important”

desk and was immediately greeted by a chaotic scene –an entire

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

Doris asked,

screamed entitlement. “Doris, Rupert said you work here, so you’ll be covering the bill for

in disbelief, feeling like someone had just dumped a bucket

right. They’re making us pay, and they won’t let us leave until we do.

train. What are we going to do if we miss

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

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

everyone was trying to find a way to make Doris feel responsible. The room was filled with complaints and demands, and

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 out what’s

earshot, Doris turned to

pulled up the records with a grim expression. “It’s already $30,000. Last night, some of them hit the bar on the basement floor. They ordered three

of his mind. Why should you be paying for his girlfriend’s

guilt you into footing the bill. You’ve worked too hard for every penny you’ve

pay this, you’ll have nothing left. Do you really want to let

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Chapter 25

not gonna let

was palpable–she hated seeing her best friend get exploited by

of vampires. As long as it’s not their own money,

a firm hand on Doris’s shoulder. “I know you’re in a tough spot, but let me handle this. You don’t owe them anything. And if

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

that moment, Lola was Doris’s anchor, the unwavering support she desperately needed.

wash over her, seeing that Doris hadn’t

call Rupert right now,” Doris announced to