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.

smile slightly. “If you’re

for a while. She picked up her fork, speared a slice of steak, and brought

“You could work at our hotel with

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

confidence. “No problem. I’ll take care of it.”

smile, amused but saying

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28 Feb MO

Chapter 48

his gaze. “I feel like having a

match made in culinary heaven, after

and now Doris realized it was wine. Even though her alcohol tolerance

had drunkenly tried to take advantage of him last time.

frowned, her voice uncertain. “Do I really bite

choked. “Yes,

asked, remembering nothing at all. “Your

there enough food here to keep your mouth busy?” Lewis snapped,

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

her pestering anymore and reluctantly gave in. “Fine. Just a little.”

a triumphant gesture.

poured Doris a small glass of red wine. “It’s

it against his. “Mr. Hartman, I’ll finish

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

more.

bite you, you can bite me back. Bite wherever you want. Just don’t send me away,

stayed still, listening as

I know you were

today, but this small injury is nothing

During holidays, the hotel is the busiest. No one’s allowed to

a fever of 103.1°F and still had to work. Another time, I sprained my ankle but went in using crutches. After

have to go to work. If I collapse, I’ll do it on the job. That’s called dedication. The manager would praise me for it and

someone else will. For ordinary people like me, having a job is

voice grew softer and eventually faded into silence. The warm light of the bedside lamp illuminated her peaceful side face. Her thick hair spilled across the pale pillow, framing

He wasn’t one to be easily moved, but hearing Doris talk about her hardships

thinking to himself, ‘So this is how she