One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 41

Lewis stood up and blocked her way. “Doris, I just think your job at the hotel isn’t easy, and you’re delivering food late into the night. Working ten–plus hours a day–can your body handle in

“Don’t overstrain yourself while you’re still young. No matter how much money you make, it won’t buy back your health. I’m just looking out for you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hartman, for your concern. I’ll know my limits. If I really can’t handle it, I won’t force myself” Doris couldn’t relax until she had paid off her debts.

Lewis kept his emotions in check. “Let’s put aside the health issues for now. You’re riding a bike delivering food, rushing to grab orders, weaving through traffic. Do you know how dangerous that is?

“And you come home at one or two in the morning. You’re a woman–bad people can target you! You don’t need me to remind you of all the news about this, do you?

“Yesterday, if I hadn’t run into you by chance, I wouldn’t have known you were delivering food. I thought you were working late at the hotel. If you want a part–time job, you can choose something easier”

Doris felt that even though they were married, there should still be boundaries. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to tell you about such small matters.”

Lewis thought, ‘Not necessary? How? She really doesn’t know what’s good for her.

“Doris, remember, we’re legally married!” He had a responsibility to ensure her safety.

“But we agreed not to interfere with each other,” Doris replied.

The conversation over breakfast led to no conclusions.

On the way to work, Lewis remained silent, his handsome face tense.

Doris didn’t feel like talking. She turned her head and kept looking out the car window.

She knew Lewis was probably upset, but they weren’t a normal married couple. To her, they were just housemates living under the same roof.

She didn’t interfere in his life, and she had every right to make her own decisions about work and personal matters.

“From now on, you don’t have to cook dinner anymore,” Lewis said. He didn’t want her to overwork herself.

did not like her

card you gave me–I don’t have it with me right now.

as he stepped on the gas and drove off.

foot in frustration. She thought, ‘What’s with

In fact, she’d be happy to have one

her heel, lifted her chin,

a moment to catch her breath.

28 Feb

Chapter 41

so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice when Lola

Doris clutched her chest. “Why are you

woman like that Lola playfully flicked her hair, the golden hoop earrings on her ears catching the light. “You look totally out of it. Did you have a

had hit the nail on the head. “Not really a fight, just different

me about it.” Lola plopped down in a chair, looking genuinely interested.

and he wasn’t happy about it. Doris recounted

I really have to tell him everything? Wouldn’t that just annoy him? Besides, shouldn’t I be

I be able to make my

does he have

cup

now it’s my turn. Doris, you’re missing the point. Mr. Hartman isn’t angry–he’s worried about you. And little things like this show whether or not

him first?” Doris was only focused on

their spouse’s number

If he had another

blurted out “Of course not,” but she swallowed her words and changed

other’s priority,

marriage–that they’d be separating in a year and that love wasn’t part of the

as she teased, “Doris, I think you’re showing

Doris felt a little embarrassed under Lola’s gaze. “Keep talking nonsense, and

dramatically, “Doris, listen. Mr. Hartman is handsome, fit, responsible, and totally

women by having a husband like that. Doris, sometimes you have to appreciate what you have. If you let go of

She couldn’t deny that Lewis was a great man–the