Chapter 129
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Doris and Kyle locked eyes, both looking stunned. Neither of them had expected to run into each other again.
“You work here?” Kyle glanced around the café. It was stylish and well–decorated.
“Yeah.” Doris nodded while staying busy.
She turned to the glass display case, took out a tiramisu, and packed it for him.
While waiting for the coffee, Kyle couldn’t help but ask, “Last time… How’s Laura doing?
Doris thought back to that rainy night when Laura had been kicked out of the Webb family and was unexpectedly rescued and taken to the hospital by Kyle.
“She’s doing well.” Doris genuinely appreciated Kyle. “Thanks for asking
Back then, even though their breakup had been forced by Jimmy, it wasn’t entirely without reason.
Laura had always been too obedient, a little too timid.
Jimmy had even stormed into Kyle’s company and caused such a scene that Kyle ended up getting fired.
But Kyle never held it against Laura or suggested breaking up, proving he was a decent and principled guy.
Laura, not wanting Kyle to suffer any more trouble from Jimmy, had chosen to end things herself.
If they had just held on and fought for their love, he wondered if things would have turned out differently.
But love didn’t work that way–there were no “what ifs.” They just weren’t meant to be.
It was lucky that Laura had left right before Kyle walked in. If they’d been a few minutes apart, they would’ve run into each other.
She wondered what they would’ve said, how they would’ve reacted.
Doris figured it was probably for the best that they didn’t meet.
Kyle had even asked her not to tell Laura that he’d saved her, which meant he had no intention of seeing her again.
She thought it better for Kyle to keep Laura in his memories than to see Laura again.
“No big deal.” Kyle shook his head slightly. “As long as she’s okay.”
Doris packed up the Americano and latte and handed the bag to Kyle. “Here you go.”
Kyle took the bag, gave her a slight nod, and left.
Seeing that Lola was around, Doris headed to the back to the prep area.
At eleven, she went to the office to check on Arianna.
Lola also brought some milk and snacks for her.
“Wow, thanks, Lola!” Arianna was overjoyed.
“You are welcome. There’s more if you finish that.” Lola tapped her lightly on the nose.
Chapter 129
But Doris warned, “Ari, don’t overdo it. Too many sweets, and you’ll get cavities.”
“Okay.” Arianna took a sip of her milk.
Lola leaned toward Doris. “Hey, who was that guy earlier? He was pretty good–looking.”
Doris pulled her out of the office and into a quiet corner.
“What?” Lola noticed something was off. “Why do you look so tense?”
Doris glanced at her nosy expression. “What do you want to know?”
“He’s not your admirer, is he? Though, judging by the way he looked at you, I don’t think it’s like that.” Lola analyzed.
Doris lowered her eyes slightly. “He’s Laura’s ex–boyfriend.”
“Laura’s ex?” Lola looked shocked. “He seems way better than that scumbag husband of hers.”
“Tell me about it.” Doris couldn’t help but feel regretful.
“So why did they break up?” Lola’s curiosity peaked.
“It’s complicated.” Doris briefly explained the story between Laura and Kyle.
“So, this Kyle guy is actually pretty decent,” Lola muttered, frowning. “Your dad was really out here breaking up couples left and right, huh? Laura’s life turned out like this, and your dad played a huge role in it.
“Laura really got the short end of the stick. Good thing you didn’t listen to him and get back together with Ryan, or you’d have had it even worse.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve always been the rebellious one.” There was a hint of self–mockery in Doris‘ tone.
“That’s a good thing. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have ended up with Mr. Hartman, the best husband ever.” Lola sighed enviously. “Oh, right! Did you ask your husband about Ivan yesterday? I need to know so I can plan my next move.”
Doris met Lola’s eager gaze. “I did. He said they don’t interfere in their friends‘ personal matters. He also told me to convince you to give up so you don’t get hurt.”
“Even Mr. Hartman thinks I shouldn’t go after Ivan?” Lola looked completely crestfallen.
“He’s just worried about you.” Doris cupped her face. “He’s looking out for you too. You’re my best friend, and Mr. Mitchell is his closest friend.”
“I get why Mr. Hartman is concerned. But I want to be brave for love this time. No matter how it turns out, as long as I give it my all, I won’t have any regrets.” Doris had already guessed what Lola was thinking yesterday.
“No matter what you decide, I’ll support you. No matter the outcome, you can always count on me.” Doris patted her own shoulder. “I’m here for you.”
“Doris, you’re the best.” Lola’s eyes welled up as she hugged Doris.
“Alright, don’t get too emotional now.” Doris gently stroked her back.
“Doris, if you were a guy, I would’ve thrown myself at you already.” Lola lifted Doris‘ chin with her finger, her gaze playful.
Doris was made speechless.
“Hey, do you think your husband would beat me up if he knew I was eyeing you?” Lola laughed at her own words, her eyes sparkling.
13:24 Wed,
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Doris smacked away Lola’s restless hand. “You can try
“Nah, your husband’s gaze is way too intense. One look from him, and I’d be terrified, Lola shuddered. “I should focus on figuring out how to chase Ivan instead”
After that, the two of them got back to work.
Around 5 p.m., Doris‘ phone started ringing. It was her mother, Peyton, calling.
Doris picked up. “Mom, what’s up?”
“Doris, can you come over to Rupert’s place?” Peyton sounded both anxious and wronged. “Your dad and I are locked out. We can’t get in.”
“How did that happen? Where’s Rupert? What about Claudia?” Doris asked.
“Rupert’s out of town. We called him, and Claudia went back to her parents‘ place. Our key won’t open the door, and we have nowhere to go.” Peyton was on the verge of tears. “Doris, can you come over right away?”
“Stay put. I’ll be there soon.” Doris softened at the thought of Peyton, who had just recovered from a serious illness.
She explained the situation to Lola, who immediately stopped her. “Aren’t you worried your parents are pulling another trick? I don’t feel good about you going alone. Take your husband with you.”
“I don’t want to trouble him.” Doris didn’t want to involve Lewis in every little family mess.
Even if he didn’t mind, she was exhausted by it all.
“How is this ‘troubling‘ him?” Lola frowned.
“Don’t worry, I can handle it myself.” Doris shoved her apron into Lola’s hands. “Keep an eye on Ari for me.”
“If you’re not calling your husband, then I’m going with you.” Lola took off her apron too. “Two people are better than one.” “Alright then. I’ll bring Ari along.” Doris headed to the office. “Ari, come with me.”
“Are we going home?” Arianna was packing up her art supplies.
“Yep, and we’ll make something delicious when we get back.” Doris helped her put her drawings into her backpack. “How about chicken wings?”
“Yes! My favorite!” Arianna clapped her hands excitedly. “Is Lewis home?”
“He should be. I’ll call and check later.” Doris secured the backpack on Arianna’s shoulders and scooped her up. “Let’s go!”
