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-”

eyes lit up again as

changed, and she looked apologetically at Lewis. “Lewis, Ari’s just a child. Don’t take

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

It’s normal for some people not to like you, but that doesn’t

are.

but some boys might prefer action figures. There’s nothing wrong with Barbie dolls or action figures. It’s just that

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Chapter 108

Arianna nodded thoughtfully.

No one had ever explained this to Arianna before. She gave Lewis a

eat before the food gets cold,” Lewis said, giving

Laura some beef and tomato stew. “Laura, try this. It’s really good.”

complicated emotions and began to

to his

on the balcony, and went

8:30, and Laura took Arianna

to get some water, and Doris was sitting in the living room watching TV while eating some cut fruit.

want some!” Arianna, freshly bathed and wearing a

Doris handed her a slice of apple.

on the crisp, sweet

dry Arianna’s hair,

school tomorrow,”

up Arianna and headed to

stood up. “Ari, how about Doris

clapped her

people in one bed is too

the newlyweds.

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

truth. Are you and

guilty. “Laura,

the signs of their separate sleeping arrangements would be too obvious, but Laura had seen

home,”

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

a big no–no for couples. Lewis is such a great guy. If you don’t cherish him, someone else