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

expression changed, and she looked apologetically at Lewis. “Lewis,

being a girl isn’t your fault. Their hating you isn’t your fault either. Look, Mommy, Doris, and Lewis all love you. That means you’re a

one can be liked by everyone. It’s normal for some people not to like you, but

are.

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

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10 Mar M

Chapter 108

Arianna nodded thoughtfully.

emotion. No one had ever explained

eat before the food gets cold,” Lewis

and tomato stew.

aside her complicated emotions and began to eat.

went to his

who was tied up on the balcony, and went

8:30, and Laura took

Doris was sitting in the living room watching TV while

and wearing a cute pink

here you go.” Doris handed her a slice

happily munched on the crisp, sweet apple.

over with a towel to dry Arianna’s hair, and then used a hairdryer to finish the job.

bed. You have school tomorrow,” Laura said, as it was getting

picked up Arianna and headed

up. “Ari, how about Doris

Arianna clapped her

people in one bed

want to separate the newlyweds. That would be asking for

it’s been so long since we’ve slept together. We can catch up,” Doris

me the truth. Are you and Lewis

scratched behind her ear, looking guilty.

to tidy up, afraid the signs of their separate sleeping arrangements would be too

old one at home,” Laura said, seeing through Doris‘ attempts

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

separately. That’s a big no–no for couples. Lewis