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.

he did not like her

without hesitation. “In that case, the household budget card you gave me–I don’t have it with me right now.

yourself,” Lewis said as he stepped on the gas and drove

in frustration. She thought, ‘What’s with that attitude?‘

She wouldn’t bother anymore. In fact, she’d be happy to have one less thing to do. But deep down, she felt

lifted her chin, and headed to

had a

Fri, 28

Chapter 41

phone, so lost in thought that she

her. Doris clutched her chest. “Why are you sneaking up on me like

the golden hoop earrings

was speechless–Lola had hit the nail on the head. “Not really a fight, just different

plopped down in a chair,

about it. Doris recounted their morning conversation. “I mean, it’s such

everything? Wouldn’t that just annoy him? Besides, shouldn’t

make my own decisions about my

angrier she got. “Not only does he have

her water cup and

brief pause, Lola finally spoke. “You done? Because now it’s my turn. Doris, you’re missing the point. Mr. Hartman isn’t angry–he’s worried about you. And little things

first?” Doris was only focused on earning money as quickly as possible to

to be their spouse’s number

If he had another woman in his heart,

almost blurted out “Of course not,” but she swallowed her words and changed it to, “I trust him.”

would naturally expect to be each other’s priority, but she and Lewis weren’t that kind of

even tell Lola that they had a contract marriage–that they’d be separating in a year and that love wasn’t part

she teased,

a little embarrassed under Lola’s gaze.

Hartman is handsome, fit, responsible, and totally

that. Doris, sometimes you have to appreciate what you have. If you let

that Lewis was a great man–the kind many women dreamed of.