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.

Ivan, she got up and walked over

asked, clearly referring to Lewis, the man she

she hadn’t expected Lewis to end

her longing for him, so she had asked

their families‘ relationship, Lewis did

wasn’t busy, they’d have meals or

limited, she was content with just

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

won’t make it, Ivan lied. “Don’t

lip, disappointment clouding her

visited the Hartman family’s Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped by Hartman Group–but she never saw

show up to her welcome dinner. Yet, once again, he wasn’t

really wanted to see

he so busy with? Does he hate me now?” Zoe looked up at Ivan, her sorrow evident. “You’re his best friend. Tell me, what did I do

anything wrong,” Ivan said, feeling conflicted, knowing the truth. “He’s just really busy.”

smile, clearly not buying that

ten years.”

we’re meant to

to apply to schools there–just to

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

no other woman has ever

that as long as there was no other woman in his life, I still

loved cautiously, almost humbly. “Does

he remained calm. “We’re close, but we don’t interfere

want to know, you’ll have to

shook her head. “Forget

She was afraid that her illusions would shatter and that she wouldn’t even have the

anymore.

you?” Ivan pulled her closer, then raised his

lively atmosphere, Zoe couldn’t bring herself to

and downed

together, with

Hartman, I’ll leave Doris in your care from now on. Wishing you both a happy marriage and a lifetime of love.” Lola raised her glass with a sincere

Ms. Bates.” Lewis lifted his glass in response.

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picked up her wine glass as