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.

saw Ivan, she got up and walked over gracefully, her

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

for school, she hadn’t expected Lewis to

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

for their families‘ relationship, Lewis did check in on

busy, they’d have meals

was limited, she was content with just that.

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Chapter 42

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

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

bit her lip, disappointment clouding her

Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped by Hartman Group–but she never saw him.

Lewis would show up to her welcome dinner.

really wanted to

looked up at Ivan, her sorrow evident. “You’re his best friend. Tell me, what did I do wrong? Why won’t

said,

clearly not buying that

I’ve liked him for ten years.” Her voice trembled

meant to be.

hard to apply to schools there–just to be closer to

though he never took the initiative to ask me out, I was willing

these years, no other woman has ever been by his

woman in his

almost humbly. “Does

brow twitched slightly, but he remained calm. “We’re close, but we

really want to know, you’ll

her head.

illusions would shatter

anymore.

pulled her closer, then raised

lively atmosphere, Zoe couldn’t bring herself

downed

sat together, with Lola seated across

a happy

Bates.” Lewis lifted his glass in

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Chapter 42

wine glass as