One year, one love by Aurora Miller

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Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Tears welled up in Laura’s eyes, but instead of breaking down, she let out a hollow laugh. The sound was bitter, full of disappointment.

“Waaaah!” Arianna burst into tears, her tiny voice trembling with fear. “Bad Daddy! You hit Mommy! I hate Daddy!”

Sofia immediately pounced on the moment and scowled at Laura. “You see what you’ve done? You’ve poisoned Ari against her own father! What kind of mother lets that happen? You don’t deserve to be a mother!”

Laura didn’t bother responding to Sofia’s accusations. Her focus was elsewhere. “Sofia, can you give me back the things Doris bought for me?” she said firmly, her voice shaking slightly but holding its ground.

Sofia crossed her arms and sneered, “What’s in this house is part of this house. It’s ours now. I’m not giving them back. What are you going to do about it?”

Laura’s fists clenched at her sides, her knuckles turning white. She locked eyes with Sofia, refusing to back down.

Sensing the tension, Sofia taunted Laura further. “Oh, what? You wanna hit me, huh? Go ahead, Laura. Show everyone what kind of daughter–in–law you are.”

Laura straightened up and turned toward the stairs, saying, “Fine. Then I’ll go to your room and get them myself.”

Sofia’s jaw dropped in mock outrage, and she yelled, “Matteo, look at your so–called good wife! Does she even see me as your mother? You can’t even control her, huh?”

Matteo’s expression turned serious as he stormed after Laura. Grabbing her wrist roughly, he yanked her toward their

bedroom.

Arianna, watching the scene unfold, screamed, “Mommy! Mommy!”

Trying to stay calm for her daughter, Laura forced a smile through the pain. “Ari, don’t worry. Mommy’s okay.”

Arianna broke free from Sofia’s grasp and tried to run up the stairs, but Sofia blocked her path and threatened. “Stay out of it, Arianna. Your mother’s getting what she deserves.”

“Let me go! I gotta help Mommy! I’ll protect her!” Arianna cried, wriggling against Sofia’s grip.

Sofia glared at Arianna, her voice cold and harsh. “Your mother’s being punished for not listening. If you act like her, your father will punish you too.”

“You and Daddy are bad people! I hate you both!” Arianna sobbed, kicking and flailing.

“Ugh, stop crying! You’re so noisy,” Sofia shouted. She scooped up Arianna, carried her to her room, and dumped her on the bed. “Well, cry all you want. See if anyone cares!”

locked the door and walked away. She crept to Matteo

think you can stand up to my mom? You’ve really gotten bold.” Matteo ripped off

and yanked her down, throwing her to the floor. His fists and kicks came hard and fast, anger fueling every blow.

was curl into a ball, using her arms

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Chapter 29

Merd, and the did her best to corallone ber cries. She didn’t want Arianna to hear her screams. Tears streamed down her

now on, show my mom the respect the deserves. If I catch you acting up again, I beat you twice as hand. Got

on the floor, her body aching from head to toe. She didn’t have any strength to respond to Matteo’s

warning

her one last time. He then ordered, Tm

fingers at all. Each struggle to stand up made her feel

left the room without waiting for a reply.

a smug smile on her face. She had set out the chicken soup Laura had prepared earlier. Once Sofia saw her son walking down, the immediately said, “Matteo, come on and

bowl Sofia passed to

spoiled. If she doesn’t listen, you have to put her in her place. Trust me, a few beatings, and she’ll behave.

in her ears, she thought she heard Arianna’s cries. Slowly, painfully, she forced herself to her

lit up when

her strength gave

are you okay?” Arianna asked, her small hands holding onto Laura’s

Laura pulled her daughter close, gazing into her innocent

expression twisted with worry. “Mommy, does it hurt? I can make it better. Let

leaned in, her tiny lips puffing out gentle breaths onto Laura’s forehead. “Mommy, it won’t hurt anymore. See?

her heart aching and warm all at once. She wrapped

of her life with the Webb family, Arianna was Laura’s only source of

“I’ll eat properly and grow up to

stung with fresh

love you,

loves you

subway, her thoughts swirling with everything she had witnessed. Sofia’s cruel behavior toward Laura weighed heavily on her heart.

finally got home, the apartment was dark. Lewis wasn’t back yet, yet her stomach was growling. Giving in

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Chapter 29

she made herself a quick hot dog and scaffed

took a seat on one of the bar stools, his face