One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 108

“I love them! I’ve never gotten so many new toys before,” Arianna said, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Lewis.”

“No worries. As long as you like them, I’m happy,” Lewis said, glancing at Laura,

He set Arianna down and ruffled her hair. “I’ll go change and be right back.”

Lewis went to the bedroom. Soon, he returned, wearing a loose white long–sleeved T–shirt and gray sweatpants, looking casual and relaxed, though his sharp eyes still carried the air of a born leader.

Laura and Arianna sat on one side of the table, with an empty seat next to Doris.

Doris glanced at Lewis as he walked over.

He sat down naturally beside her.

“Let’s eat,” Lewis said, knowing they had been waiting for him. “You don’t have to wait for me next time. Don’t let Ari go hungry.”

Doris turned to Arianna. “Ari, what would you like? Let me help you.”

Arianna looked at Lewis, her big eyes filled with expectation. “Can Lewis serve me some steamed egg with minced meat?”

Laura and Doris exchanged glances.

Before Laura could intervene, Lewis had already picked up Arianna’s bowl. “Sure, I’ll help you.”

He scooped some steamed egg and minced meat into her bowl and placed it gently in front of her. “Eat well so that you’ll stay healthy.”

Lewis smiled slightly, his handsome features softening with a hint of indulgence.

“I will, and then I’ll grow up fast so I can protect Mommy,” Arianna said, turning to Laura with a serious expression. “Mommy, I will protect you.”

Laura’s eyes welled up with tears. She felt touched by Arianna’s words.

“Okay, I’ll wait for you to grow up and protect me,” Laura said, smiling warmly.

Doris, however, felt a bit “jealous.” She asked Arianna, “Why do you want Lewis to help you? Do you not like Doris anymore?”

“I like Doris, and I like Lewis,” Arianna said, her bright eyes dimming slightly. “Grandma and Daddy don’t like me because I’m a girl, but Lewis doesn’t mind. He bought me so many toys, more than Daddy ever did. If only Lewis were my daddy-”

again as she

Laura’s expression changed, and she looked apologetically at Lewis. “Lewis, Ari’s just a

fault either. Look, Mommy, Doris, and

liked by everyone. It’s normal for some people not to like you, but that doesn’t affect

are.

prefer action figures. There’s nothing wrong with Barbie dolls or action figures. It’s just that everyone has different

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Mon, 10 Mar

Chapter 108

Arianna nodded thoughtfully.

ever explained this to Arianna before. She gave Lewis a grateful look

cold,” Lewis

and tomato

pushed aside her complicated emotions

went to

up on the balcony,

at 8:30, and Laura took Arianna

out to get some water, and Doris was sitting in the living room watching TV while

a cute pink nightgown, ran

go.” Doris handed

on the crisp, sweet apple.

hair, and then used a hairdryer to finish the job.

time for bed. You have school tomorrow,” Laura said,

picked up Arianna and headed to the

about Doris sleeps with you tonight?”

her hands

door. “Three people in one

didn’t want to separate the newlyweds. That would be

been so long since we’ve slept together. We can catch up,” Doris said, trying to sweet–talk her way in.

me the truth. Are you and Lewis sleeping in

scratched behind her ear, looking guilty. “Laura,

sleeping arrangements would be too obvious, but Laura had seen right

to your old one at home,” Laura said, seeing

from work, I don’t want to disturb him, so I

wasn’t fooled. “Doris, you and Lewis are newlyweds. You can’t sleep separately. That’s a big no–no for