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.”

arms and answered, “No way. This time, you’re listening to

my turn.”

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Chapter 28

their argument. A sleek black Mercedes pulled into the driveway, its headlights cutting through the twilight.

his brow furrowed slightly. “Laura? Doris? What are you

back into Doris’s

back

Matteo.” Doris said with a polite smile.

as he walked over. “Doris, it’s not often you visit

for dinner.”

“I already asked her, but she said she had

urgent? Come on, have dinner first,” Matteo turned to Doris

to send her away. But she wasn’t in the mood to have dinner now. The smile on her face faded,

smile faltered, and she nervously bit her lips. She said, trying to sound casual, “Doris, Matteo’s had a long day. Why don’t you talk another time?”

her. Plus, the money issue made Doris’s emotions more heated. Laura didn’t want Matteo to know the mess, so she tried to send Doris

right through her attempt to dodge the issue. She could feel Laura’s

said, clearly picking up on Laura’s reluctance for Doris to say

I know you work hard, but Laura isn’t exactly lounging around either. She’s taking care of your mother, your grandma, Arianna, and the housework.

your wife, the woman you once couldn’t stop talking about, the one you promised to take care of for life. I hope you

the peace in her marriage, and

Matteo said, narrowing his eyes. “Laura’s been complaining to you that I’m

She never says anything bad about you,” Doris replied. She glanced at Laura before continuing,

said with

left, Matteo and Laura walked back

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

Matteo called out, “where are the bags

looked toward Sofia and replied, “Grandma

tone resolute. “Sofia, those

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Chapter 28

put on a long face, looking clearly annoyed. “Yours? The money you’re spending comes from my son. Why shouldn’t I

the money you give her for the house? She’s wasting it

shaking with frustration. “Sofia, I didn’t touch a penny of

out a mocking laugh and said, “Oh, please. Since when did your family have money for such expensive

stepped forward, her small voice piping up. “Grandma, it’s true. Aunt Doris bought