One year, one love by Aurora Miller

13:02 Wed, 26 Feb FRA:

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

At precisely 7 a.m., Doris was jolted awake by the sharp blare of her alarm clock still grozzy, she forced herself

out of bed, washed up quickly, and began getting ready for the day

Timing it perfectly to avoid her father, Jimmy Reed, Doris approached her mother, Peyton Reed, with a feigned

casualness. “Mom, can | borrow my birth certificate for a bit? | need to make a copy for spaperwork”

In truth. Doris wasn't entirely sure if Lewis would show up at the city hall as promised, but she was willing to take

the gamble.

Peyton handed over the certificate without much thought, her tone carrying a teasing lilt. “If you're using this to

get married to Mr. Watson, your father would be over the moon”

“Mom, can you not bring him up?” Doris’s voice turned sharp, irritation flashing across her face. She hated how

her parents constantly brought up Ryan, as if he were the pinnacle of perfection rather than the cheat he had

proven to be

Grabbing her things, she muttered, “I'm heading to work.” And then the left before Peyton could respond.

Not long after she stepped outside, Doris’s phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. She hesitated but

picked it

up.

“Hello, is this Doris Reed?” An elderly woman's voice cthrough, warm and gentle.

“Yes, this is Doris. Who's speaking?” Doris asked, puzzled.

“Im Margaret Hartman, the lady you helped bring to the hospital yesterday, the voice explained kindly. “I got

your number from the nurse. You left your number with the nurse when you registered me. | hope you don’t

mind.”

Doris blinked in recognition. So that’s who it is, she thought

The memory crushing back-yesterday, before meeting her friend Lola for a shopping trip, she'd come

across Margaret, who had fainted in the street. Without hesitation, Doris had called an ambulance and stayed by

Margaret's side until she was safely admitted to the hospital.

“What can | do for you?” Doris asked.

“The doctor mentioned that you paid for my medical bills yesterday,” Margaret said, her tone tinged with

gratitude. “Would you mind coming by the hospital? I'd like to reimburse you.”

Doris hesitated for only a moment before agreeing. “Sure, | can do that.” After all, the money was rightfully hers,

and she wasn’t one to play coy about something so practical.

It was a convenient detour-Hampstone General Hospital was right next to the city hall in Cornton Heights, where

she was headed anyway.

On her way, Doris stopped at a small shop and picked up a cheerful gift basket filled with fruits and snacks.

When she arrived at Margaret's hospital room, she walked in with a warm smile. “Good morning, ma’am. How

are you feeling today?”

Margaret, who had just finished breakfast, lit up at the sight of her. Her lined face softened with a deep smile.

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“You're here. | hope I'm not keeping you from anything important.”

“Not at all,” Doris replied, setting the gift basket down on a nearby table.

“You didn’t need to bringa gift, Margaret said, touched but slightly flustered. “I don’t even know how to

thank you. enough” She gestured for Doris to ccloser. “Come, sit with me.”

Doris settled into the chair beside the bed, her demeanor relaxed. “There’s no need to thank me. I'm just glad

you're doing well”

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13:02 Wed, 26 Feb

Chapter 2

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Margaret's gaze lingered on her, as though taking in every detail. Her smile deepened, and the lines on her face

crinkled in pleasant folds. “What a lovely, kind-hearted young woman you are. Your boyfriend must be a very

lucky man.”

Doris gave her a polite, faint smile. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Margaret's eyes widened in surprise, and then delight. “You don’t? Well, that’s just wonderful.” She clapped her

hands lightly on the blanket, her excitement infectious.

Doris tilted her head slightly, confusion flickering across her face.

Realizing she might have con too strong. Margaret covered her mouth with a sheepish laugh. “What | mean

is, | happen to know someone who would be perfect for you. Would you like to meet him?”

Doris’s brow twitched slightly. ‘So this is about settingup on a blind date?” she thought, feeling a mix of

surprise and

amusement.

“Margaret, there's no need,” Doris said quickly, waving her hands in polite refusal. “I actually have plans to meet

someone at the city hall today to get married...”

The words had barely left her lips when a tall, striking figure entered the room. The pristine white of his shirt

enhanced his chiseled features, giving him an almost regal allure.

It was Lewis-the very person she was supposed to meet at the city hall for their marriage license.

Their eyes locked across the room, separated only by the hospital bed. Doris’s wide, startled gaze betrayed her

shock. She hadn't expected to see him here of all places, and the suddenness of it made her feel like she'd just

been caught in the act of ssocial catastrophe.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as embarrassment prickled her skin. She felt like if there were ever a moment to be

swallowed by the earth, this was it.

Lewis, too, seemed taken aback, a flicker of surprise passing through his deep, enchanting eyes before his

expression settled. into calm indifference, like a placid lake concealing hidden depths.

Margaret, however, seemed unaware of the tension crackling in the room. Instead, Doris’s earlier words about

getting married left a faint trace of disappointment in her warm smile.

“Lewis, Margaret said, her voice soft with affection as she looked at him. This young lady, Doris Reed, is the one

who helpedyesterday. Doris, this is my grandson, Lewis Hartman.”

Lewis's lips curved slightly, the barest hint of amusement flickering in his otherwise composed demeanor.

“Mr. Hartman, nice to

meet you.” Doris managed a polite smile, though inside, her nerves felt like a violin string stretched too tight.

She hoped he’d play along and not make things worse.

“Ms. Reed, a pleasure,” Lewis replied smoothly, his tone carrying an undercurrent of subtle playfulness. His gaze

lingered, as though testing her resolve. “If she doesn’t wantto acknowledge her, I'll oblige her little act, he

thought.

Doris quickly stood up, eager to escape the unbearable awkwardness. “Margaret, | have something else to

attend to. I'll be heading out now,”

“Oh, okay...” Margaret sighed, clearly reluctant to let her go. There was something about Doris that struck a

chord with her, and she couldn't help wishing she’d gotten to know Doris sooner.

Turning to her grandson, Margaret added, “Lewis, see Doris out for me, would you? And make sure to thank her

properly” “Of course, Grandma.” Lewis's tone softened as he reassured her. “You rest up. I'll be back shortly.”

He walked Doris to the door, holding it open before following her into the corridor. The sound of the door clicking

shut

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13:02 Wed, 26 Feb

Chapter 2

behind them punctuated the silence.

“Ms. Reed. Lewis called after her, his voice composed but commanding. “A moment, plicane”

Doris stopped mid-stride, her hand tightening on her purse. Turning slowly, she asked. Harman after

something

in

“Thank you for saving my grandmother.” he said, closing the distance between them in two long strides. His

sowering frmade her feel both cornered and oddly protected at once

“No worries” Doris murmured and shook her head, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. She didn’t dare meer teves

knowing they would only make her feel even more exposed. “Well then be on my way”

11

“Ms. Reed,” Lewis said casually, as though commenting on the weather. Weren't you beaded to the cry tall so

permet Coincidentally, so am 1. Shall we go together? Without waiting for her reply, he stared walking ahead

Doris’s long lashes fluttered in astonishment. Did he really just bring up last night's conversation he still

remember that she thought, utterly caught off guard

By the tthey arrived at the city hall in Cornton Heights, the clock struck 6:50 am. The morning air was rig but

Dors could feel her nerves tightening with every step they took

Just before entering, Lewis turned to her. His expression was unreadable, but this voice held a note oferi Ms Feed

you still have tto reconsider.”

Her clear, determined eyes met his as she replied firmly. “Mr. Hartman, there’s nothing to retouder Let's per mart

be

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Lewis's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight dip of his head he

said. “Alright.”

A flicker of joy lit up Doris’s eyes as she heard his answer. “You agreed?” she asked a hint of digging to her voice

“After all, Lewis said smoothly, his tone almost nonchalant, no one likes being called a coward”

Doris froze, momentarily speechless. Uh did he really need to remember such a random det? she thought,

unable decide whether to laugh or groan

Lewis's lips curled into a faint, detached smile as he remarked, “Ms. Reed, Im only marrying you for my

grandmothers sake. Don’t get any unrealistic ideas about what this arrangement means. If you do the only one

who'll en bun as you

“Mr. Hartman, rest assured.” Doris replied earnestly, her clear eyes steady with conviction. “After were tamed |

won't Interfere with your life. If you meet someone you genuinely care about, we can divorce anytime”

Her tone was resolute, as if she were swearing an oath. Deep down, she knew this was the most impulsive,

reckless decisice she had ever made in her twenty-six years of life.

Lewis studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes searching her determined face for any sign of hesitation. Then

with a cart nod, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Not long after, a polished, impeccably dressed

man entered the room. exuding an air of quiet authority.

“Ms. Reed, good morning. I'm Ivan Mitchell, Mr. Hartman's attorney, lvan spoke with calm professionalism as he

withdrew a thick folder from his sleek black briefcase. This is your prenuptial agreement. Please take your time

to review carefully

Lewis, ever pragmatic, added coolly, “Words alone mean nothing. Once you've signed this agreement, we

proceed marriage paperwork

Doris accepted the brown folder, her fingers brushing over the smooth, unyielding surface of the leather. Her

heart tensed as she removed the contents, the bold heading “Prenuptial Agreement” immediately catching her

eye.

Chapor 2

She unfolded the pages her gaze mowing between the parties shall me

panty dia

diy din the the only by else 1 The marriage

line tin the date of good may be dissolved at very twithin one year at wither

and any

ne

Clause 2. Upon divorce, the female panty shall conditionally leave the marriage with financial claim to the trade

party's Similarly, the male party hall make no claim to the female party's assets.

Clauer & Post divorce, the male party will assess and may provide financial or mater competion to the female

party. depending on circumstances

Both parties agree to adhere to and uphold the terms outlined in this agreement

Lewis knew this agreement was nothing short of an ironclad, one-sided treaty that safeguarded his interests

while leaving her completely vulnerable

Lewis, meanwhile, watched her intently, his piercing gaze never leaving her face. He wait have enough to think

she would have no objections. After all, this agreement was crafted with meticulous precision to protect him