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.”

the

relief afterward. And we’re here with you, Mom. You can’t just give

sentence.

“Mom, what Doris said is

I’m afraid of pain.” Peyton shook her

1/3

13)

Chapter 77

us, we can find a way to help.” Doris gripped Peyton’s

asking. I’m not having

said Laura and Doris.

want to rest now.” Peyton got up and walked away coldly, alone.

Doris stood frozen. They thought, ‘She didn’t object when we talked about the surgery yesterday, so why is she so adamant today?‘

today? We have to spend more time with her and find out

given up, as her daughters, they

Laura said, “Alright.”

the hospital, but Doris refused. She said she would cover the

recovery.

and Laura still hadn’t found out why Peyton

asked them about Peyton’s

mom won’t agree to it.”

worried about? I can explain

said, “She won’t say anything. She just keeps insisting she won’t do it. We’re completely out of options.”

“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

you must do your best to persuade your mother–this

Zain left.

But when they told Peyton, Peyton lost her temper and even smashed a glass. “I said I’m not having the surgery. Do you not understand? I want to

getting angry isn’t good for your health.” Doris tried to

blame her for her outburst. They understood that sick people often felt frustrated, and losing their temper was inevitable.

wishes. Get my

only doing this for your sake,” Laura,

me. No more talking.” Peyton turned her

ng to

Hampstone Hotel, Lewis immediately got up, hugged him, and patted

4

Chapter 77

a while since we last met.” Lewis walked