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.

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

go to Ryan and beg him today, I’ll leave Laura alone. The choice is yours.” With that, Jimmy hung up, leaving Doris feeling like a heavy

fathom

Jimmy, nothing mattered more than his son and money. Doris and Laura were nothing but pawns to him,

Doris couldn’t

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Chapter 60

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

is on the way,” Doris said gently, bending down to stroke

his nose, an adorable gesture of affection.

to the living room, with Biscuit trotting after her. In the corner was Biscuit’s cozy little bed.

if

and I’ll make us some breakfast,” Doris said in a

last of the waffles and put them in the toaster. She also washed some vegetables and sliced

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

become like family to her, their bond deep and

gently on the head. “Be good, okay? I’ll be back after work. You’ve got to pace yourself with the apple

if understanding her words, Biscuit let out a soft

had her e–bike. It made running

strapped on her helmet, hopped on her e–bike, and headed out. Today, she

into her uniform, Doris called Laura to fill her in on what had happened earlier that morning. “Laura, let me say this one more time.

sure he doesn’t get involved either. Got it?”

I can’t let Doris get dragged

2:00 p.m., Jimmy called Laura, his tone full of anger. “You ungrateful brat! What did you say to

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 cause a scene, every single day if

because of you, I’ll make sure you lose yours too. I’m standing outside your hotel right

Hotel. She was already teetering on the brink of collapse under

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

dollars and Rupert’s job.” Jimmy demanded without hesitation.