One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 25

No Ads

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

herself, her phone rang,

voice was cold and impatient.

1/4

Chapter 25

days?” Laura’s voice

make? Two days, three days–it’s all the same. Just get it done, Jimmy’s tone grew sharper as

teeth, her grip tightening around the phone.

herself in her work. It was just past ten when her phone

completely occupied by work.

with panic. “This is really

a sigh, Doris had no choice but to agree. She rushed to the front desk

clutching at a lifeboat. “You have to talk to them.

Doris asked,

Rupert said you work here, so you’ll be covering the bill

froze in disbelief, feeling like someone had just dumped a bucket of

They’re making us pay, and they won’t

to catch a train. What are we going to do if we miss it? The ticket costs a few dozen dollars.”

said, “Yeah, Doris, you have to solve this for us. Otherwise, if the tickets get wasted, you’re going to have

not going anywhere. We’ll stay at your parents‘ house

room was filled with complaints and demands, and

aside. Doris forced a smile at the unruly group, trying to comfort them, “Please, everyone, calm down. Let

out of earshot, Doris turned to Lola and asked, “How much has my family spent here?”

of them hit the bar on the basement floor. They ordered three bottles of premium liquor–each

your brother is out of his mind. Why should you be

let them guilt you into footing the bill. You’ve worked too hard for every penny you’ve saved, and

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

2/4

Wed, 26 Feb &&

Chapter 25

gonna let you

mistake. Lola’s frustration was palpable–she hated seeing her best friend get exploited

back at the noisy Robinsons and thought, “They’re like a pack of vampires. As long as it’s not their own money,

spot, but let me handle this. You don’t owe them anything. And if your parents try to blame you for this, I’ll make sure

out for me, and trust me, I’m no pushover. I’m not about to let them walk all

that moment, Lola was Doris’s anchor, the unwavering support

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

Doris announced to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255