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.

him to stay relaxed when Lewis was radiating an icy

a moment. “I

but you’re sleeping in a hotel?” Lewis finally couldn’t hold

never asked about it,” Doris

His handsome face remained expressionless, but

more.

guessed right–there was definitely trouble between this

waved at Daniel but didn’t say a word

noticing from the corner of his

1/3

Chapter 85

the hotel with firm steps. Daniel

change her clothes,

arrived at the hospital before 5 PM, just in time

I baked these cranberry

said, feeling like she and

her wait.” Doris gently pushed

food container on the small table

Does it still

more trouble for you all,” Peyton said, looking up at Doris‘ thin face.

filled with worry

spread through Peyton’s

that’s

It would have saved everyone the trouble and spared me this suffering.” Peyton’s eyes were devoid

you can’t say things like that.” Doris felt a sharp sting in her heart. “You

only gave a faint, sorrowful

if this is just about your illness, we can cooperate with the doctors and get you treated. You’ll have a good life after the surgery. Since we have hope, let’s not give up, okay?” Doris held Peyton’s hand. “I, Laura, and our whole family will be here for you.”

gently stroked Doris‘ face. Then,

A wave of helplessness surged over her, threatening to drown her.

a blade cutting through her. But she couldn’t cry. She bit her lip and forced the

sudden knock on the door shattered the silence and snapped Doris out

with Ryan, the last person she wanted to see.

saw Ryan, her dim

here to see you–Ryan!” Jimmy

spread across her face.