One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Lola and Doris exchanged a glance, and they both silently wondered, ‘What’s the deal between this beautiful woman and the so–called heir Mr. Hartman?‘

They held their breath, leaning in for more information.

Zoe turned in front of the mirror and said with a slight worry on her face, “Do you think the neckline’s a little too low? Mr. Hartman doesn’t like women with dresses that are too revealing.”

“No, Zoe,” one of the clerks chimed in. “It’s not revealing at all. It makes you mysterious with just the right amount of tease.”

“Yeah, Zoe, just wait. Mr. Hartman’s gonna fall head over heels for you at the party, and then he’ll be knocking on your door to propose. Don’t forget about us when you’re living the high life,” someone else added.

Zoe blushed, shaking her head lightly. “You guys need to stop with all these wild guesses.”

A clerk replied, “Come on, Zoe, there’s no one in Hampstone who’s more suited for Mr. Hartman than you. You two practically grew up together, and the whole Hartman family adores you. It’s only a matter of time before you two get married.”

“Exactly! Five years ago, you went abroad, and Mr. Hartman followed right after you. It’s not even a secret in Hampstone,” another clerk said.

“We’re just waiting for the official announcement at the Hartman Group’s event. Can’t wait to congratulate you in person,” someone said with a grin.

Doris and Lola’s minds were running at the same speed. ‘So, this is Mr. Hartman’s girlfriend?‘

Lola whispered in Doris’s ear, “You know, Mr. Hartman’s almost thirty. I heard he’s not just back to take over the family business; he’s looking to settling down too. On the surface, it’s a welcome party for the heir. But secretly, it’s pretty much a matchmaking party for him.”

Lola didn’t beat around the bush but told Doris everything she knew. It was how things like this went in high society.

Zoe’s flawless face carried a subtle smile as she listened to the compliments. She just remained calm and composed.

After a few d

more exchanges, Zoe took off the dress and asked the clerk to pack it up. “Please send it to my place.”

She had switched into a chic pink Chanel suit with a short skirt, showing off her enviable figure–long legs and slim waist.

One of the blonde women in the store leaned over and whispered, “Zoe, I heard Mr. Hartman’s over at the men’s shop trying on clothes. Aren’t you going over to say hi?”

With a smile, Zoe said, “Well, I’ll just pop over and offer him a coffee.”

Lola nudged Doris and teased, “Do you wanna go?”

Lola was going with this. “Where

to see the guy you once thought about marrying?” Lola teased.

luxury men’s clothing store. Sure enough, the place was swarmed with people. There were black–suited bodyguards stationed at the entrance, making it clear that regular folk weren’t getting in anytime

group of women, including Zoe, was stopped

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really not know who Ms. Wilkinson is?” one of the blonde women barked at the guards. “Do

keep the place closed off. No one’s getting in, not even

front of everyone, tried to stay composed, though she was seething inside. Her smile remained, but it

Zoe. I’ve known Mr. Hartman since we were kids. I just came to say hello.”

follow Mr. Hartman’s instructions. No one’s allowed in,” the

her knuckles white, and though she forced

the guards, she shouted, “You idiots! Zoe’s

watchdogs. Who gave you the right to talk to her like this? I’ll tell Mr. Hartman about how you disrespected her.

hearing the commotion from inside, stepped out and immediately spotted Zoe at the

too, and she said with a

Wilkinson, what brings you here?” Daniel asked, genuinely surprised to

so I thought I’d stop by and say hello. I hope I’m not disturbing anything.” Zoe’s large, doe–like eyes were

Ms. Wilkinson, Mr. Hartman left before you arrived after an important call,” Daniel replied, his tone apologetic. “But I’ll be sure to

face fell, disappointment clouding

casting a few more longing glances inside

began to disperse, and that was when Daniel noticed Doris and Lola standing just outside the group. Daniel knew

the cuffs of his

Mrs. Hartman’s outside,” Daniel reported, straight to

Lewis turned around

for the upcoming party. To avoid running into Doris, who was out shopping, he’d rented out the whole store and stationed bodyguards outside to keep anyone else

the guards outside,” Lewis ordered, glancing over at Daniel.

Hartman?”

let her in. I’ll

the new outfit to the staff to pack up. After that, he carried the

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out, he overheard Lola telling Doris, “Looks like being childhood sweethearts doesn’t cut it if we want to see Mr. Hartman,

maybe seeing him will just disappoint