Chapter 131
Chapter 131
“My sister’s fine. Stop worrying for no reason.” Doris patted Arianna’s back lightly. “She got a job and doesn’t have time to take care of Ari on weekends, so she asked me to watch her.”
“Why aren’t the Webb family taking care of their own kid? Why are they making you do it?” Jimmy chimed in. “If they’re having you do it, they should at least pay you.”
Peyton and Doris both looked at him.
“Why are you two staring at me? I’m just stating the truth. If the Webb family hired a babysitter, they’d have to pay, right?
“So, Doris, you need to make them cover this. Don’t let them take advantage of you. Besides, they have money–it’s not like they can’t afford it.” Jimmy sounded completely reasonable in his own mind.
“Dad, I’m watching my own sister’s kid, not doing a job for the Webb family.” Doris was getting annoyed.
She didn’t want to talk to them about Laura’s marriage situation.
If Peyton found out, she’d just worry more, and if Jimmy knew, he’d start lecturing Laura.
“Yeah, Doris is right. Taking care of your sister’s kid isn’t something you charge for.” Peyton turned to Jimmy. “You only ever think about money. If you’ve got the guts, go talk to the Webb family and ask them to pay up.”
“Peyton, I’m only letting this slide because you’re not in good health, but now you’re turning on me?” Jimmy grumbled. “I’m just saying it’s unfair to Laura and Doris.”
“I know whether it’s fair or not. Dad, maybe worry about yourself first.” Doris‘ last comment made Jimmy purse his lips and fall silent.
“Mom, Dad, you guys get some rest. I’m heading out.” Doris said goodbye to Peyton and Jimmy.
Lola was still waiting for her in the hotel lobby.
“Alright, take care on your way.” Peyton reminded her.
Doris carried Arianna downstairs, where Lola was chatting with a friend from Azure Hotel in the lobby.
“What are you guys talking about?” Doris asked with a smile as she walked over.
“I was trying to convince Lola to come work at our hotel,” the friend said with a sigh, “but she told me you two opened a café and dessert shop together. Losing you both is a big loss for the hotel industry, but knowing you’re making your dreams come true makes me happy for you.”
“Thanks for helping me out today.” Doris expressed her gratitude.
Lola jumped in, “Kersin, stop by our shop sometime! Drinks and desserts are on the house.”
“Yeah, come try them,” Doris added. “I’ll even treat you to a meal.”
“I’ll hold you to that! I’ll definitely visit.” Kersin laughed.
Later, Lola drove Doris back to Greenlake Hill. The sky had already darkened.
“Lola, thanks for today.” Doris was really grateful for her company–it would’ve been much harder managing Arianna alone.
“No need to thank me.” Lola tilted her head slightly, gazing at Doris. “Doris, after seeing your arrogant, self–important dad
get thrown out of the house by your sister–in–law today, standing there all pitiful, I couldn’t feel a shred of sympathy.
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Honestly, I think they had it coming.
“Doris, your parents always favored your brother. Do you remember how they treated you back then? Bet the moment they ran into trouble, they turned to you for help. Talk about knowing which way the wind blows.
“If it were me, there’s no way I could be as generous as you, I’d still be holding a grudge against them for being to unfair.
“Honestly, I think they should suffer a bit. Only then will they realize just how horribly wrong they were. “Doris, you’re not mad at me for saying all this, are you?”
After all, they were Doris‘ parents, and no one liked hearing bad things about their own family.
“Of course not,” Doris‘ lips curved into a smile, “Lola, I get where you’re coming from. The truth is, I can’t be that generous either. I’ve held onto my resentment for their favoritism for a long time.
“I used to think that if they ever needed me, I’d ignore them completely. But after my major surgery, after barely surviving, my outlook changed.
“In that moment, I realized that as long as she could stay alive and well, that was all that mattered. Her health isn’t what it used to be. That’s what’s most important now.
“Her illness needs careful management. If it relapses, it’ll get much worse. I don’t want her to have any more setbacks, and I don’t want to regret anything if she’s gone. By then, it would be too late.
“If staying alive means she gets to be a little biased, then so be it. I just want to fulfill my duty as a daughter.”
Lola reached out and patted her shoulder. “Doris, you’re genuinely a good person.”
“Lola, so are you.” Doris‘ eyes sparkled like stars.
“We’re both good people.”
…The two of them shared a knowing smile.
Doris stood by the greenery, watching Lola leave.
Just as she was about to turn around, a deep, familiar voice broke through the quiet night, making the moment feel even more surreal.
Lewis said, “Doris.”
She turned and saw Lewis, returning from his walk with Biscuit.
He stood tall under the streetlight, the warm yellow light stretching his shadow long. His sharp features stood out even more in the night, as if countless stars were hidden in the depth of his eyes.
“Have
you
eaten?” Doris asked him.
“I ate at home today.”
Lewis took advantage of the weekend when he had nothing to do to visit Springwood Manor and have dinner with his grandparents. But the one who got asked the most was Doris.
His grandparents, parents, even his younger siblings kept complaining that he was pretending to be ordinary, keeping them from seeing Doris.
After dinner, Lewis used an excuse to leave; he’d already been lectured enough during the meal and didn’t want to hear
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Chapter 131
When he got back, he fed Biscuit, and then took him out for a walk, where he ran into Doris.
“Let me hold Ari,” Lewis said, reaching out to take the already–sleeping Arianna from Doris‘ arms.
Doris casually took the leash from Lewis‘ hand.
Biscuit barked excitedly a couple of times, and then rubbed against Doris‘ feet.
They went upstairs together and entered the house.
Doris went to open her bedroom door, and Lewis gently placed Arianna on her bed.
Her room, like hers, had a fresh, pleasant fragrance. Lewis couldn’t help but take a light sniff.
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Doris pulled the light blanket over Arianna. “The restaurant’s busy this weekend. She asked me to check on Ari. It’s Saturday, so it’s my turn to work, and she’ll probably get off late.”
“Ari’s asleep already, so why not just let her stay here? That way, she won’t have to come all the way to pick her up,” Lewis said, looking at the cute sleeping face, “Tomorrow’s Sunday, and I’m off, so I can stay home and keep her company.”
“Kids this age are pretty restless. I’m worried Ari might disturb you,” Doris knew Lewis liked peace and quiet, and leaving him to look after Arianna for the day might drive him crazy, “I think I should take her to the shop instead.”
“What? Are you worried I’ll hit her?” Lewis noticed a hint of fear on Doris‘ face.
“Of course not.” Doris quickly denied. “I’m just worried Ari might disturb you. Plus, you only get two days off for the weekend, and you should relax. Taking care of a child isn’t exactly easy.”
“So you’re worried about tiring me out? Should I take that as you’re concerned about me?” Lewis smiled, his lips curling up.
AD
