One year, one love by Aurora Miller

pter 60

As soon as Doris heard that, her anger spiked. “Dad, how can you be so unreasonable? One million dollars isn’t pocket change! If you’re expecting Laura and me to repay it, then shouldn’t Rupert’s marital home be split equally between Laura and me to make it fair?”

“That house belongs to Rupert, Doris. Don’t even think about laying a finger on it.” Jimmy retorted, firmly protecting his

son’s interests,

“I couldn’t care less about that house Doris snapped back. “But don’t you dare think you can make Laura and me the scapegoats for this mess. We didn’t borrow that money. Whoever used it should be the one to repay it.”

Her tone was icy, and she stood her ground. After all, she had already been kicked out of the house and had nothing left to lose.

“Bastard!” Jimmy growled, clearly frustrated by Doris‘ defiance. “Fine, if you don’t pay, then Laura will. She’s more obedient than you are, and her husband is far wealthier than yours. I certainly don’t expect that loser of a husband you married to cough up any money”

His tone was filled with blatant disdain.

Doris bristled at the insult. “My husband is not a loser, and you’re not allowed to speak about him like that.”

In her eyes, Lewis was exceptional in every way except financially. He was incredibly good–looking with a perfect physique, a true gentleman, and someone who respected women and held firm moral values.

He was a good person and an even better husband. Doris wouldn’t stand for her father’s disparaging remarks.

Jimmy sneered, “If he can come up with one million dollars and secure Rupert a decent job, I’ll admit he’s not a loser and even recognize him as your husband.”

“He’s under no obligation to do that, nor does he need your approval,” Doris shot back, refusing to take the bait.

She warned her father sternly. “Dad, Laura was humiliated by the Webb family just to scrape together 100 thousand dollars for you. Her life there isn’t as rosy as you think. If you still care about her as your daughter, stop pressuring her for money.”

“Pressuring her? We raised her, didn’t we? Your mother and I worked hard to give her a good life, even found her a husband as well–off as Matteo. No matter how bad you think her life is, it’s still leagues better than ours.

“One million dollars is chump change for the Webb family. Helping the Reed family out of a tough spot is her responsibility. as our daughter. As for you, you ungrateful little brat, I wasted my efforts raising you.

“If I’d known you’d be this heartless, I would’ve strangled you at birth. At least then, I wouldn’t have to deal with you constantly defying me and causing trouble!” Jimmy’s self–righteous tone made Doris‘ anger boil. He was always so self- righteous.

struggles, Doris softened her tone and pleaded. “Dad, please don’t go to Laura for

I’ll leave Laura alone. The choice is yours.” With that, Jimmy hung up, leaving Doris feeling like a

good mood for the day was completely ruined. Doris couldn’t fathom how she and

son and money. Doris and Laura were nothing but pawns to him, tools to elevate Rupert’s status.

and Doris couldn’t

1/3

Chapter 60

sleep, Doris got out of bed. As soon as she stepped into the hallway, the sound of her movement caught Biscuit’s attention. The

on the way,” Doris said

nuzzled her palm with his nose, an

Biscuit trotting after her. In the corner was Biscuit’s cozy little bed. She grabbed a sausage from the kitchen and fed it to him, then poured some dog food into his

if to say

and I’ll make us some breakfast,” Doris said in a soothing tone. “I’ll even give you an apple in

them in the toaster. She also washed some vegetables

finishing her breakfast, Doris got ready to head to work. Biscuit followed her all the way

become like family to her, their bond

the head. “Be good, okay? I’ll be back after work. You’ve got to pace yourself with the apple and dog food, or you’ll end

Biscuit let out a soft

she still had her e–bike. It made running

on her e–bike, and headed out. Today, she arrived at

on what had happened earlier that morning. “Laura, let me say this one more time. Don’t pay a single cent of that one million dollar debt for

Matteo about it and make sure he doesn’t get involved either. Got

I won’t cave. I can’t let Doris get dragged down because of me,’ she thought to herself.

of anger. “You ungrateful brat! What did you say to Doris? Now she has the nerve to defy me and outright

is your ex–boyfriend, so this is your problem to handle. After work, you better go see Ryan, or I’ll show up at your hotel and

of you, I’ll make sure you lose yours too. I’m standing outside your hotel right now. Doris, it’s up to you what

want to lose her excellent position at Hampstone Hotel. She was already teetering on the brink of collapse under

bitterness, she compromised. “I’ll agree to meet him, but I can’t

both the one million dollars and Rupert’s job.” Jimmy demanded without hesitation.