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.

and walked over

he coming?” she asked, clearly referring to Lewis, the man she had been longing for.

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

asked her father to reach out to Lewis, hoping he’d look after her.

Lewis did check in

busy, they’d have meals

time together was limited, she

1/3

Chapter 42

the country, and she followed soon after. Today’s gathering

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

her lip, disappointment clouding

been back for a while now–she had visited the Hartman family’s Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped by Hartman Group–but she never

up to her welcome dinner. Yet, once

really wanted to see

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

not that you did anything wrong,” Ivan said, feeling conflicted, knowing the truth. “He’s just

bitter smile, clearly not

liked him for ten years.”

we’re meant

hard to apply

was willing to be the one to make the

has ever been

his life, I still had a chance. I was willing to wait.”

“Does he have someone he

calm. “We’re close, but we don’t interfere in each

want to know, you’ll have

shook her head. “Forget

was afraid that her illusions would shatter

anymore.

Ivan pulled her closer, then raised his glass of red wine to the others. “Come on,

the lively atmosphere, Zoe couldn’t bring herself to feel

her glass and downed it in

sat together, with Lola seated across from them.

on. Wishing you both a happy marriage and a lifetime of love.” Lola raised

Ms. Bates.” Lewis lifted his glass in

2/3

+5

Chapter 42

up her wine glass as