One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 48

Lewis returned to the Hartman Group. In his office, he sneezed and frowned in displeasure.

Daniel knocked on the door of the CEO’s office and hurried over to Lewis’s desk. “Mr. Hartman, is Ms. Reed alright?”

“What could possibly happen to her?” Lewis snorted.

Daniel continued, “Today, you were an hour late for the meeting with the HighBeacon Group. Hunk was furious and said he’s considering a new partner.”

“It’s fine. If we lose this deal, there’ll be another,” Lewis replied, calm and unbothered.

“Mr. Hartman, this cost us 100 million dollars,” Daniel said, shocked.

“I’ll make 150 million on the next deal,” Lewis said with absolute confidence and authority.

A mere employee like Daniel had no reason to argue further if the boss was this chill.

At five o’clock, Lewis left work on time and went home.

Doris was cooking in the kitchen when Lewis walked in and shooed her away. “You’re injured. Stop fussing around. Go rest.”

“Okay.” Despite Lewis’s cold expression, Doris beamed. “I’ll be looking forward to a delicious dinner from you then, Mr. Hartman.”

“Talk less,” Lewis grumbled as he rolled up his sleeves, revealing his lean and muscular forearms.

Doris pressed her lips together into a thin line and mimed zipping her mouth shut. She sat quietly at the dining table, watching Lewis.

He took out two fresh ribeye steaks and began seasoning them. Then he melted some butter in a pan and added garlic, rosemary, and onions, letting the aroma fill the room. Every move he made was smooth and elegant.

Doris couldn’t help but think, ‘It’s true what they say–there’s nothing more attractive than a man who can cook.‘

Lewis didn’t seem fazed by Doris’s gaze. He stayed focused, calmly and methodically preparing dinner.

Before long, two plates of steak were served. The golden–brown steaks were paired with bright green broccoli and vibrant cherry tomatoes. The color combination instantly whetted the appetite.

Lewis also prepared a fresh fruit and vegetable salad.

“Mr. Hartman, these look absolutely delicious–just as good as the dishes our hotel’s head chef makes,” Doris said, practically drooling.

Lewis couldn’t help but smile slightly. “If you’re

back. She had been eager to dig in for a while. She picked up her fork, speared a slice of steak, and brought it to her mouth.

gave Lewis a thumbs–up. “You could work at our

a career change, I’ll leave it to you to arrange,” Lewis quipped casually.

her chest with confidence. “No problem. I’ll take care

smile, amused

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Fri, 28

Chapter 48

caught his gaze. “I feel

are a match made in

wine. Even though her alcohol tolerance was

thought was how Doris had drunkenly tried to take advantage of him last

not?” Doris frowned, her voice uncertain. “Do I

choked. “Yes, you

I bite you?” Doris asked, remembering nothing at all. “Your face, your car, or… your lips?”

keep your mouth busy?” Lewis snapped,

tiny bit,” Doris pleaded, looking at him with puppy–dog eyes. “I promise I won’t

pestering anymore and reluctantly gave in. “Fine. Just a

made a triumphant gesture.

poured Doris a small glass of red wine. “It’s no fun drinking

her glass and clinked it against his. “Mr. Hartman, I’ll

that Doris got drunk–again. Lewis had no choice but to take her home, carrying her to bed once

more.

“Mr. Hartman, if I did bite you, you can bite me back. Bite

listening as she rambled

know you were

but this small

don’t understand. During holidays, the hotel is the busiest. No one’s

but went in using crutches. After all, my job

I collapse, I’ll do it on the job. That’s called dedication. The manager would praise me for it and might even give me a bonus.

people like me, having a

the bedside lamp illuminated her peaceful side

wasn’t one to be easily moved, but hearing Doris talk about her hardships stirred an unfamiliar pang of sympathy in

stroked Doris’s soft hair with his palm, as if offering comfort, thinking to himself,