One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 77

Early the next morning, Lewis returned from his run to find that Doris had already made breakfast.

“Breakfast is ready,” she smiled as she set down a fork.

“You should’ve slept a little longer.” He grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip, his Adam’s apple moving up and down.

Doris’s gaze lingered on his throat. “I’ve had enough rest. I made some sandwiches–I’ll take some to my parents later.”

“I’ll drive you there after breakfast.”

“No need. It’s not on your way, and you have work. I’m not in a hurry, and riding my scooter is convenient.” Doris didn’t want him to tire himself out.

“Mr. Hartman, my mom is sick, so I’ll be spending more time taking care of her. You might have to handle dinner on your own. Sorry.”

“It’s just one meal—I can figure it out.” Lewis completely understood. “Just focus on being with your mom.”

He knew how it felt. When his grandmother fell ill, he had been just as worried. That was one of the reasons he had agreed to marry Doris–to fulfill his grandmother’s wish and make her happy.

And with that, Doris and Lewis went their separate ways for the day.

When Doris arrived at Peyton’s hospital room, she ladled out some porridge. “Dad, Mom, have some breakfast.”

Jimmy got up. “I’m not eating. I’m going home to sleep.”

Doris couldn’t persuade him, so she handed the porridge to Peyton instead. “Mom, you should eat first.”

After breakfast, Laura arrived.

She and Doris took Peyton outside for a walk and sat down to rest in the hospital’s garden.

“Laura, Doris, I need to talk to both of you,” Peyton said, looking at the daughters sitting on either side of her.

“Mom, we’re listening,” Doris said, leaning gently against Peyton like she used to when she was a child.

Peyton held both their hands. “I don’t want to go through with the surgery.”

Doris immediately straightened up, her eyes widening in shock.

Laura also frowned, confusion written all over her face. “Mom, why? I already explained yesterday that your condition is treatable, and the success rate is high.”

knew that refusing the surgery meant giving up the possibility of

are you afraid it’ll hurt? The doctors will give you anesthesia, and there will be pain relief afterward. And we’re here with you, Mom. You can’t just give up like this. We… we all

sentence.

Doris said is exactly what I

not that I’m afraid of pain.” Peyton shook her head.

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Chapter 77

Tell us, we can find a way to help.” Doris gripped

“Stop asking. I’m not having the surgery. Let’s get

Laura and

got

didn’t object when we talked about the surgery yesterday, so why is she so adamant

her and find out why she won’t have the surgery.” Doris

mother had given up, as her

Laura said, “Alright.”

to leave the hospital, but Doris refused. She said she would cover the hospital bills so Peyton

recovery.

days passed, and Doris and Laura still hadn’t found

them

won’t agree

I

She just keeps insisting she won’t

said, “Ms. Reed, our hospital has invited Dr. Micah Holmes, a leading specialist in breast tumors. With him performing the surgery, the success rate is nearly guaranteed. If you miss this opportunity, it

best to persuade your mother–this is a once–in–a–lifetime chance. Don’t

that, Zain left.

lost her temper and even smashed a glass. “I said I’m not having the surgery. Do you not understand?

isn’t good for your health.”

didn’t blame her for her outburst. They understood that sick people often felt frustrated, and losing

against my wishes. Get my discharge papers ready for tomorrow. I’m going home.” Peyton made up her

only doing this for

you really care about me, then listen to me. No more talking.” Peyton turned her head

ng to

private dining room in Hampstone Hotel, Lewis immediately

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Chapter 77

Lewis