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 gracefully,

referring to Lewis, the man she had been

school, she hadn’t expected

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

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

he wasn’t busy, they’d have meals

she was content with

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soon after. Today’s gathering was meant to welcome

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

lip, disappointment clouding her beautiful

had visited the Hartman family’s Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped

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

really wanted to see him.

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

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

clearly not buying

for ten

meant to

worked hard to

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

these years, no other woman has ever been by

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

“Does

twitched slightly, but he remained calm. “We’re close, but we don’t interfere in each

you’ll have to ask

her

didn’t dare ask. She was afraid that her illusions would shatter and that she wouldn’t even have the right to dream

anymore.

here with you?” Ivan pulled her closer, then raised his glass of red wine to the others. “Come on, let’s all

couldn’t bring herself to feel

downed it in one go.

Lewis sat together, with Lola

leave Doris in your care from now on. Wishing you both a happy marriage and a

lifted his glass in response.

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wine glass