One year, one love by Aurora Miller

16:13 Fri, 28

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

She added, “If you feel awkward going alone, you can bring a friend.”

Lewis found no reason to feel awkward. It’s not like her friend would eat him alive or something.

“Got it. I’ll pick you up after work,” Lewis agreed without hesitation.

Lola, who had been listening the whole time, grinned with satisfaction at his response.

Since Lewis didn’t seem the least bit annoyed, Doris felt less uneasy about the whole thing. “No need, I’ll ride with Lola. I’ll send you the restaurant address. See you tonight.”

Lola picked Bistro Alloy.

Doris sent the address to Lewis and told him to meet at 6:30 PM.

After work, due to traffic, Lola and Doris arrived ten minutes late.

The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet spot, featuring elegant architecture with green tiles and white walls.

Stepping inside felt like entering a garden–lush groves, vibrant flowers, and an artificial pond with a stone bridge where guests could watch the fish.

They took the elevator to the third floor, to a private dining room named “Paris“—this floor had rooms named after cities.

As soon as they stepped out, they ran into Ivan. “Mr. Mitchell, good evening.” Doris greeted.

“Doris, Ms. Bates, hello.” Ivan’s smile was charming.

“Are you here to welcome us?” Lola looked beautiful tonight in an off–shoulder beige dress, cinched at the waist with a brown. belt that highlighted her slim figure. Her long, fair legs added a touch of mature elegance.

Ivan looked puzzled.

“We’re meeting Lewis for dinner here. Didn’t you come with him?” Doris assumed he was the friend Lewis had invited.

“Oh, I’m actually here with other friends,” Ivan replied with a knowing smile. “You two go ahead. I’ll drop by later.”

As he watched Doris and Lola walk away, Ivan’s brows furrowed deeply.

He then pushed open the door to the “London” private room, where a group of people was gathered.

up and walked over gracefully, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.

is he coming?” she asked, clearly referring to Lewis, the man

abroad for school, she hadn’t expected Lewis to end up in the

intensified her longing for him, so she had asked her father to reach

their families‘ relationship, Lewis did check in on her occasionally.

busy, they’d have

their time together was limited, she was content with just that.

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Lewis returned to the country, and she followed soon after. Today’s gathering was

a business dinner tonight. He won’t make it, Ivan lied.

disappointment clouding

the Hartman family’s Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped by Hartman Group–but

thought for sure Lewis would show up to her welcome dinner. Yet, once again,

really wanted to see

with? Does he hate me now?” Zoe looked up at Ivan, her sorrow evident. “You’re

wrong,” Ivan said, feeling conflicted, knowing

clearly not

for ten years.”

says we’re meant to

decided to go abroad, I also worked hard to apply to schools there–just to

to ask me out, I was willing to be the one to make the first

no other woman has ever been by

in his life, I still had a chance.

cautiously, almost humbly. “Does he have someone

remained calm. “We’re close, but we don’t interfere in each other’s personal

you really want to know, you’ll have to ask

her head.

shatter and that she wouldn’t even have the right to dream

anymore.

us here with you?” Ivan pulled her closer, then raised his glass of red wine to

atmosphere, Zoe couldn’t

glass and downed it in one

and Lewis sat together, with Lola seated across

a happy marriage and a

lifted his glass

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Chapter 42

wine glass as well.