One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Laura’s tough exterior crumbled the moment Doris said “I can protect you now“. Those simple words shattered the walls she’d built around her heart, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Laura felt warmth seep into the cracks of her battered soul.

“Oh, Doris…” Laura whispered, her voice breaking.

Doris pulled Laura into a gentle hug, her arms steady and reassuring. “Laura, I know you’re exhausted, and I know you’re strong. But you don’t have to do this alone anymore.”

Laura clung to Doris like she was a lifeline, her hands clutching tightly at the fabric of Doris’s coat. She buried her face in Doris’s shoulder and finally let the tears she’d been holding back flow freely.

Doris said nothing but just stroked Laura’s back, giving her all the space she needed to let it out.

After a long while, Laura’s sobs began to quiet. She stepped back and wiped her tear–streaked face. Her eyes, though red and swollen, had a clarity to them in the dim evening light.

Laura met Doris’s eyes and admitted, “Yeah, you are right. The house was bought with money from Ryan because of you, so Dad asked me to get 130 thousand dollars from Matteo for Rupert’s wedding.

“It has nothing to do with Matteo. How could I even bring myself to ask him for money? Yesterday, when Dad pushed me about the money, I gave him every last penny I’d saved–30,000 dollars in total.

“Then today, he called again, demanding the rest immediately. I had no choice, Doris. I had to borrow 100 thousand dollars from Meghan to send to him.”

Doris’s fists clenched. She took a deep breath to steady her voice and replied, “Laura, Dad knows you’re too kind to say no, and that’s why he keeps pushing you.

Let’s be real: you’ve given him the money, and you’ll never get it back from Dad. But this stops now.

“Ryan’s one–million–dollar debt is not your burden to carry. If you keep giving in, Dad and Rupert will keep taking from you, and they won’t even thank you for it. Worse, they’ll think it’s your responsibility.

“Laura, listen to me–you have to tell Matteo. He should know this. If you hide this from him, he’ll blame you once he learns this.

“As long as we both firmly refuse to give Dad money, he can’t force us anyway. Some complaints from him are better than the consequences of his squeeze, got it? If Dad threatens to ask for money from Matteo, don’t stop him. I believe Matteo

knows how to handle Dad.”

Laura nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “I see.”

Doris let out a relieved sigh, though she wasn’t entirely sure Laura would follow through.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a card, pressing it into Laura’s hand. “Take this. There are 65,000 dollars on this card. Use it to pay back Meghan. I’ll figure out the rest.”

Laura shook her head and tried to push the card back. “No. I can’t take this. This is my mess. I’ll handle it myself. You’re married now. Your money should go toward your own family.”

“This was money I saved before I got married,” Doris said, hoping to ease Laura’s guilt.

“No, I can’t take it,” Laura said in a firm tone. “Doris, I’m older than you. You have to listen to me on this.”

you’re listening to me. You’ve always been there for me. Now,

my turn.”

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Chapter 28

they were trying to persuade each other, the sound of an engine disrupted their argument. A sleek black Mercedes pulled into the driveway, its headlights cutting through

furrowed slightly.

into Doris’s bag before turning to greet Matteo. “Honey,

back

said with a polite smile.

of the car, loosening his tie as he walked over. “Doris, it’s not often you visit

for dinner.”

already asked her, but she said she had something urgent to

dinner first,” Matteo turned to Doris

hesitated, knowing full well why Laura was trying to send her away. But she wasn’t in the mood to have dinner now. The smile on her face faded, and she said in a

her lips. She said, trying to sound casual, “Doris, Matteo’s had a long day. Why

Doris’s emotions more heated. Laura didn’t want Matteo to

gave Laura a look, seeing right through her attempt to dodge the issue. She could feel Laura’s unease, but there was too much at stake

let her talk. I want to hear it,” Matteo said, clearly picking up on Laura’s reluctance for Doris

She’s taking care of your mother, your grandma, Arianna, and the housework. Even if it goes unnoticed, her effort is there.

about, the one you promised to take care of for life. I hope you don’t forget that. You’d disappoint more than just her if you did.”

wanted to keep the peace in her marriage, and using sharp words would only create more tension between the

eyes. “Laura’s been complaining to you that I’m

says anything bad about you,” Doris replied. She glanced at Laura before continuing, “Anyway, I’ll leave

said with a nod.

walked back into

notice that several items that had been on the sofa earlier were gone.

are the bags and boxes?”

Sofia and replied, “Grandma took them.”

tone resolute. “Sofia, those are mine. Please

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Chapter 28

long face, looking clearly annoyed. “Yours? The money you’re spending comes from my son. Why shouldn’t I take what I want? You’re living under my roof, spending Matteo’s hard–earned money on God knows

her voice dripping with feigned concern. “Son, do you see how she’s using the money you give her for the house? She’s wasting

clenched her fists, her voice shaking with frustration. “Sofia, I didn’t touch a penny of the household budget. Those

a mocking laugh and said, “Oh, please. Since when did your family have

stepped forward, her small voice piping up. “Grandma, it’s true. Aunt Doris bought them. She even made me a