One year, one love by Aurora Miller

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Chapter 49

Laura approved of Lewis as her brother–in–law. He could protect Doris from their father’s mistreatment, and his family was kind and welcoming, which gave her peace of mind.

“Pick a convenient spot for you. I can drive anywhere,” Lewis suggested, considering Laura’s travel needs.

Laura mentioned a supermarket she often shopped at and then headed out using the pretense of buying groceries.

After meeting up, Lewis and Laura went to a nearby café. One ordered an Americano, the other a cappuccino.

“Is something wrong with Doris? Is that why you’re in such a hurry to meet me?” Laura asked, gripping her coffee cup tightly.

“Relax, Laura,” Lewis said, noticing her tension. “It’s nothing too serious. Ever since you two last met, she’s taken up a part- time job delivering food. She works until one or two in the morning every day.

“She spends her salary as she wishes, and I give her an allowance. I also cover any major household expenses. I don’t understand why she’s suddenly working so hard as if she’s desperate for money.

“I’ve asked her if she’s facing any problems, but she insists she’s fine. That’s why I wanted to check with you to see if there’s a reason behind this sudden change–so I can help her.”

The coffee cup Laura had just picked up slipped from her hands and hit the tray with a loud clatter. The cup toppled over, spilling coffee onto her pants, but she didn’t seem to notice.

Lewis quickly grabbed a napkin from the table and blotted up the coffee before calling a server to clean up. He also ordered Laura another cappuccino.

Laura’s face turned pale, and tears welled up in her eyes. She said, “Lewis, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I’ve dragged Doris into this mess and disrupted your lives.”

“Laura, what do you mean?” Lewis asked, handing her another napkin when he saw her tears.

Laura dabbed at her eyes, her expression filled with sadness, as she recounted the events of a few days prior when D come to see her.

Lewis listened quietly, occasionally sipping his coffee.

nad

“That’s the situation,” Laura concluded. “Doris is working so hard to help me pay off that 120–thousand–dollar debt. I told her not to get involved–I didn’t want to drag you both into this.”

blame me. This is all my fault. Please, don’t let this cause any rift between you and Doris. If that happens, I’ll never forgive myself.”

kept apologizing,

and I certainly won’t blame her. I understand why she did

grew up together and share a deep bond. Her helping you shows she’s not someone who turns her back

clearly. Through this, he also realized that

anxiety and worry eased thanks to his understanding

never experienced this kind of respect and empathy from

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28 Feb

Chapter 49

and grateful that Doris had found such a good partner. She

you sure you’re not upset with Doris?” Laura asked again, needing reassurance.

a man’s incompetence,” Lewis replied firmly. He wasn’t that kind of man. “What we need to focus on now

her to quit her part–time job. I’ll figure out a way

the table, his fingers moving across the screen. “Laura, let’s add each other on WhatsApp.

Laura saw the friend request,

me your bank account

can’t take your money.” Laura

eyes briefly to glance at her and said, “I’ll transfer

you.

the debt and tell Doris that your husband learned about the situation, gave you the money, and made it clear that this must not

the problem can you persuade Doris to quit the part–time job and stop exhausting herself. That’s our shared

late into the night just to help her. Lewis’s words left her with no room to refuse. She

holding onto the last shred of her pride. No matter how hard her life got, she couldn’t let go of that

“Fine,” Lewis agreed.

details and hesitated for a long moment before sending them over.

information, Lewis copied it and transferred 100

Laura received a

a mix of gratitude and bitterness as she stared at

treated her better than the husband she had shared a bed with

for help because she doesn’t want me to know about this,” Lewis explained. “Since that’s her wish, I’ll pretend I don’t know anything. You shouldn’t tell her either.”

worry about her safety and