One year, one love by Aurora Miller

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.

and tears spilled down her cheeks. She covered her mouth with

rang, jolting her out of her moment of

was cold and impatient. “I expect the money

1/4

Chapter 25

agree on three days?” Laura’s voice trembled

days–it’s all the same. Just get it done, Jimmy’s tone grew sharper as he issued his final warning. “And don’t make

her grip tightening around the phone. “I

Hampstone Hotel and quickly immersed herself in her work. It was just past ten when her phone rang,

completely occupied by work.

urgent, tinged with panic. “This is really

the front desk and was immediately

drowning person clutching at a lifeboat. “You have to talk to them. Tell them to let us go.”

going on?” Doris

stepped forward, wearing an expression that screamed entitlement. “Doris, Rupert said you work here, so you’ll be covering the bill for

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

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

to do if

Doris, you have to solve this for us. Otherwise, if the tickets get

someone else added. “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 new

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

smile at the unruly group, trying to comfort them, “Please, everyone, calm down. Let me figure out

dragged her to a quieter corner. Once out of earshot, Doris turned to Lola and asked, “How

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

should you be paying for his girlfriend’s entire extended family?”

stop there. “Listen to me, Doris. You can’t cave this time. Don’t let them guilt you into footing the bill. You’ve worked too hard for every penny you’ve saved, and

saved $30,000 yourself, and if you pay this, you’ll have nothing

2/4

26

Chapter 25

I’m not gonna let you

didn’t want Doris to make such a big mistake. Lola’s frustration was palpable–she hated seeing her best friend get exploited by Rupert like this.

“They’re like a pack of vampires. As long as it’s not their own money, they’ll spend

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 your parents

me, 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,” Doris said firmly,

that moment, Lola was Doris’s anchor, the

a wave of relief wash over her, seeing that Doris hadn’t let familial

call Rupert right now,” Doris announced to the rowdy relatives of