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-”
Her eyes lit up again as she spoke.
“Ari!” Laura’s expression changed, and she looked apologetically at Lewis. “Lewis, Ari’s just a child. Don’t take it to heart.”
“It’s fine,” Lewis said, correcting Arianna’s self–doubting thoughts. “Ari, 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 wonderful girl. In the future, even more people will love you.
“Remember, no one can be liked by everyone. It’s normal for some people not to like you, but that doesn’t affect who you
are.
“It’s like how you love Barbie dolls, but some boys might prefer action figures. There’s nothing wrong with Barbie dolls or action figures. It’s just that everyone has different preferences. Understand?”
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16:55 Mon, 10 Mar M
Chapter 108
Arianna nodded thoughtfully.
Laura felt a surge of emotion. No one had ever explained this to Arianna before. She gave Lewis a grateful look
“Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” Lewis said, giving Doris a meaningful glance.
Doris got the hint and served Laura some beef and tomato stew. “Laura, try this. It’s really good.”
Laura pushed aside her complicated emotions and began to eat.
After dinner, Lewis went to his study to work.
Doris took Biscuit, who was tied up on the balcony, and went for a walk with Laura and Arianna.
They returned at 8:30, and Laura took Arianna to bathe.
Lewis came out to get some water, and Doris was sitting in the living room watching TV while eating some cut fruit.
“Doris, I want some!” Arianna, freshly bathed and wearing a cute pink nightgown, ran over, her hair still damp.
“Little foodie, here you go.” Doris handed her a slice of apple.
Arianna happily munched on the crisp, sweet apple.
Laura came over with a towel to dry Arianna’s hair, and then used a hairdryer to finish the job.
“Ari, it’s time for bed. You have school tomorrow,” Laura said, as it was getting late.
She picked up Arianna and headed to the bedroom.
Doris stood up. “Ari, how about Doris sleeps with you tonight?”
“Okay!” Arianna clapped her hands in delight.
Laura, however, blocked Doris at the bedroom door. “Three people in one bed is too crowded. You should sleep where you’re supposed to.”
She didn’t want to separate the newlyweds. That would be asking for trouble.
“Laura, it’s been so long since we’ve slept together. We can catch up,” Doris said, trying to sweet–talk her way in.
Laura wasn’t buying it. “Tell me the truth. Are you and Lewis sleeping in separate rooms?”
Doris scratched behind her ear, looking guilty. “Laura, is it that obvious?”
She had tried to tidy up, afraid the signs of their separate sleeping arrangements would be too obvious, but Laura had seen right through it.
“The room’s setup is similar to your old one at home,” Laura said, seeing through Doris‘ attempts to hide it.
Doris pursed her lips. “Laura, when I come home late from work, I don’t want to disturb him, so I sleep here.”
Laura wasn’t fooled. “Doris, you and Lewis are newlyweds. You can’t sleep separately. That’s a big no–no for couples. Lewis is such a great guy. If you don’t cherish him, someone else will.”
“Laura, I know.”
“Then go and spend time with Lewis.”
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Chapter 108
“Laura, I…” Doris looked troubled, which Laura interpreted as reluctance.
“What’s wrong?” Laura asked, noticing Doris‘ hesitation. “Do you have some kind of issue doing sex?”
Laura lowered her voice. “Is Lewis… not well?”
Lewis seemed perfectly healthy, with a great physique that made girls‘ hearts flutter.
Doris‘ ears turned red. “Laura, it’s not what you think.”
“Then what is it?”
I-
“Just go and sleep with Lewis. I can tell he likes kids. You two should work on that and stop bothering us, okay?”
With that, Laura closed the bedroom door.
Doris nearly bumped into the door, stepping back in surprise. She stared at the closed door, muttering, “Whose room is this anyway?”
She had been locked out of her own room. Hearing movement behind her, she turned to see Lewis standing at the study door, a playful smile on his lips.
Doris, embarrassed, glared at him. “What are you smiling at?”
“Got kicked out?” he asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
“You saw it. Why ask?” Doris turned and walked to the living room.
“So where are you sleeping tonight?” Lewis followed her.
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