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

give you anesthesia, and there will be pain relief afterward. And we’re here with you, Mom.

sentence.

said is exactly what I wanted to say.”

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

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Chapter 77

way to help.” Doris gripped

her lashes. “Stop asking. I’m not having the surgery. Let’s get discharged tomorrow.”

said Laura and

want to rest now.” Peyton got

thought, ‘She didn’t object when we talked

really strange today? We have to spend more time with her and find out why she won’t have the surgery.” Doris was determined–she wouldn’t give up until she got an

if their mother had given up, as her daughters, they couldn’t.

Laura said, “Alright.”

refused. She said she would cover the hospital

recovery.

still

asked them

“My mom won’t

something she’s worried about? I can

She just keeps insisting she

tumors. With him performing the surgery, the success rate

to persuade your mother–this is

that, Zain

this. But when they told Peyton, Peyton lost her temper and even smashed a glass. “I said I’m not

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

for her outburst. They understood that sick people often felt frustrated, and losing

going against my wishes. Get my discharge papers ready

be upset. We’re only doing this for your sake,” Laura, ever

to me. No more talking.” Peyton turned her head away

ng to

dining room in Hampstone Hotel, Lewis immediately got up, hugged him,

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Chapter 77

been a while since we last met.” Lewis