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.

soon as Zoe saw Ivan, she got up and walked

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

expected Lewis to end up in

asked

families‘ relationship, Lewis did check in on

wasn’t busy, they’d have meals

limited, she was

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Lewis returned to the country, and she followed soon after.

dinner tonight. He won’t make it, Ivan

lip, disappointment clouding her beautiful

back for a while now–she had visited the Hartman family’s Springwood Manor, checked his residence at Sulnell Hill, even stopped

thought for sure Lewis would show up to her welcome dinner. Yet, once again, he wasn’t there.

wanted to see

her sorrow evident. “You’re his best friend. Tell me, what did

that you did anything wrong,” Ivan said, feeling conflicted, knowing the truth. “He’s

bitter smile, clearly not

know I’ve liked him for ten years.”

meant to

decided to go abroad, I also worked hard to apply to

initiative to ask me out, I was willing

no other woman has ever been by his

as long as there was no other woman in his life, I still had a chance. I was willing to wait.”

loved cautiously, almost humbly. “Does he have someone

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

you really want to know, you’ll

Zoe shook her

ask. She was afraid that her illusions would shatter and that she wouldn’t even

anymore.

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

the lively atmosphere, Zoe couldn’t bring herself to

downed

together, with Lola seated across from them.

both a happy

Lewis lifted his glass in

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Chapter 42

wine glass as well.