One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Rupert was at home, peeling an apple for Claudia. Claudia leaned against his shoulder, enjoying his care.

“You fell asleep, and I couldn’t wake you up. I didn’t know where you lived, and I couldn’t just leave you on the street, so f had no choice but to take you to a hotel,” Rupert explained, handing Claudia a slice of apple.

Claudia took it happily and ate it.

“How much was the room? I’ll pay you back,” Doris said, unwilling to owe Rupert anything.

“It wasn’t much. Forget about it,” Rupert said generously. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

After ending the call, Doris freshened up and left the hotel.

Just as she stepped outside, she ran into Lewis, whom she hadn’t seen for days.

Lewis recognized Doris immediately. She looked even thinner and more fragile than before.

Their eyes met for a brief second before they both quickly looked away, neither greeting the other.

Lewis‘ lips pressed into a tight line. His deep, eyes were like an ancient well–cold and unreadable.

Since this woman was treating him like a stranger, he would pretend not to know her too.

Doris had a mix of resentment and guilt. She hadn’t expected to run into her husband the moment she walked out of a hotel.

She thought, ‘Is he going to let his imagination run wild and pin some ridiculous accusation on me again?‘

The thought of the necklace he had thrown away made Doris furious all over again.

She then plastered a bright smile on her face and greeted Daniel. “Daniel, long time no see.”

Daniel could tell the tension between Doris and Lewis.

He stole a glance at Lewis beside him, thinking, ‘Could it be that Lewis‘ bad mood these past few days has something to do with Doris?‘

“Ms. Reed, hello. What are you doing here?” Daniel forced a smile, though it looked rather stiff.

for him to stay relaxed when Lewis

“I just took a nap

a home, but you’re sleeping in a hotel?” Lewis finally couldn’t hold back his

several nights either, and I never asked about it,” Doris

was momentarily at a loss for words. His handsome face remained expressionless, but

more.

right–there was definitely trouble

See you.” Doris waved at Daniel but didn’t say

waved back, noticing from the corner of his eye that Lewis‘ face

1/3

Chapter 85

strode into the hotel with firm steps. Daniel quickly followed.

shower, change her

before 5 PM, just in time for Laura to leave

bag. “Laura, I baked these cranberry cookies

said, feeling like she and Rupert weren’t

Don’t make her wait.” Doris

on the small table and walked over

feeling today? Does it still hurt?”

for you all,” Peyton said, looking up at Doris‘

were filled with worry and

dull pain spread through Peyton’s

as long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters.” Doris

that car had just killed me. It would have saved everyone the trouble and spared me

things like that.” Doris felt a sharp sting in her heart. “You have to get better.”

only gave a faint, sorrowful smile.

the doctors and get you treated. You’ll have a good life after the surgery. Since we have hope, let’s not

Peyton pulled her hand back and gently stroked Doris‘ face. Then, she turned away,

say. A wave of helplessness

her throat and nose felt like a blade cutting through her. But she couldn’t cry. She bit her

shattered the silence and snapped Doris out of her thoughts.

and saw Jimmy–along with Ryan, the last person she wanted to see. Her face darkened instantly.

and when she saw Ryan, her dim

here to see you–Ryan!” Jimmy walked

spread across her