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-”

up again as she spoke.

“Lewis, Ari’s just a child. Don’t take it to heart.”

self–doubting thoughts. “Ari, being a girl isn’t your fault. Their hating you isn’t your fault either. Look, Mommy, Doris, and

for some people not to like you, but that doesn’t affect

are.

action figures. There’s nothing wrong with Barbie dolls

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10 Mar

Chapter 108

Arianna nodded thoughtfully.

ever explained this to Arianna before.

food gets cold,” Lewis said, giving Doris a

the hint and served Laura some beef and

aside her complicated emotions and began to

dinner, Lewis went to his study

on the balcony, and went for a walk with Laura and

returned at 8:30, and Laura took Arianna to bathe.

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

bathed and wearing a cute pink nightgown, ran over, her hair

here you go.” Doris handed her a slice

the crisp, sweet

came over with a towel to dry Arianna’s hair, and then used

it’s time for bed. You have school tomorrow,” Laura said, as it was getting late.

and

stood up. “Ari, how about Doris sleeps with you tonight?”

Arianna clapped her hands in delight.

blocked Doris at the bedroom door. “Three people in one bed is too crowded. You should sleep where you’re supposed to.”

the newlyweds. That would be asking

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

wasn’t buying it. “Tell me the truth. Are you and Lewis sleeping in

guilty. “Laura, is

the signs of their separate sleeping arrangements would be too

your old one at home,” Laura said, seeing

“Laura, when I come home late from work, I

are newlyweds. You can’t sleep separately. That’s a big no–no for couples. Lewis is such a great guy. If you