Chapter 139
Chapter 139
“Lola!” Doris bit her lip. She was so teased that her face turned red, and even her ears blushed a rosy pink, looking truly lovely.
You really can’t take a joke.” Lola shook her head.
I’m going to get to work,” Doris said, heading toward the production area. She didn’t have a break until after lunch.
“Lola, I’m going out for a bit, just to buy something, I’ll be right back.” Doris grabbed her bag.
Lola stopped her, curious. “What are you buying?”
“I won’t tell you.” Afraid of Lola’s teasing. Doris didn’t want to say the truth.
Lola instantly saw through it. “You’re buying something for your Mr. Hartman, right?”
“My Mr. Hartman?” Doris couldn’t help but smile.
Tm going too,” said Lola.
“What are you going for?” Doris asked.
“I can help you pick, and while I’m at it, I’ll buy Mr. Mitchell some small gifts.” Lola untied her apron and handed it to the staff. “Jennett, please take care of this for me.”
Lola then hooked her arm around Doris’s, and they left the shop together.
They got into the car, and Doris buckled her seatbelt. “Lola, don’t you think you’re being a bit much? You used to say men should spend money on women, and women just need to enjoy. Don’t you feel embarrassed now?”
Those men were just trying to please me, but I didn’t actually like them. Now, I’m the one pursuing Mr. Mitchell. I’m happy to spend money on him. It’s worth it,” Lola lectured.
“This isn’t a clear situation. You’re spending money and investing your feelings. Remember, you’re a woman. Couldn’t you be a little more reserved?” Doris was worried that if Lola put in so much effort without getting anything back, it would only bring her pain.
“If being reserved worked, I’d already be Ivan’s girlfriend by now.” Lola glanced at Doris, then looked forward again. “I just want to enjoy the process. Whatever outcome, I’ll leave it to fate. I’m not forcing anything.”
Doris looked at Lola’s profile. Her eyes sparkled with joy and optimism. She was so clear–minded and positive. She was like the brightest, most passionate rose in the world, blooming with a beauty that was all her own.
“Then go for it.” It seemed that besides this, Doris had nothing else to say, because Lola knew exactly what she was doing.
“What are you buying for Mr. Hartman?” Lola asked her.
“A suit or a tie, something he can wear to work.” Doris tried to be practical.
Lola drove to the city’s busiest shopping center, full of flagship stores for various brands, as well as large malls with everything one could need. Lola and Doris walked around the stores.
Doris chose what she could afford, but still spent a bit more than usual. She thought about how Lewis’s suits were all the same–black suits and white shirts–and his home clothes were all in black, white, and gray, lacking any color.
So she picked out a navy blue suit and a blue–and–white striped shirt with fine vertical stripes and a pure white collar, hoping to add a little color to his world.
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Then, she followed Lola to a luxury store, where she picked a bag for herself and a tie for Ivan–blue with small, bright patterns, so it wouldn’t look dull.
“You’ve already bought the suit and shirt, adding a tie will be just right, Lola suggested to Doris.
Doris had actually wanted to buy a nice tie. The one Lola bought was around 700 dollars. She chose a tie that was similar in color to the suit—blue with light blue, intricate patterns–that matched perfectly with the suit. After that, they headed back to the shop.
“How are you going to give away this tic?” Doris was worried for Lola, after all, they were still only getting to know each other.
Ivan had already rejected Lola’s advances, so there was no way he would accept her gift so easily without any excuse.
“I’ll come up with a good excuse to give it to him.” Lola had already figured it out. “I’ll ask him for a small favor, and the tie will be my thank–you gift. He can’t really refuse it.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” Doris nodded and gave her a thumbs–up.
“Mr. Hartman is probably going to be really happy today. His wife picked it out herself,” Lola smiled at Doris.
“It’s just a suit.” Doris looked at the paper bag with the suit inside, hoping he’d like the color she chose.
“So what made you decide to buy clothes for your Mr. Hartman? He doesn’t exactly seem like someone who’s short on clothes.
“Even though he always wears the same white shirts and black suits, a handsome guy can look good in anything. He’s got taste and class.
“I can’t tell what brand it is, but the quality and tailoring are great. From what I can see, it probably wasn’t cheap.” Lola couldn’t stop talking.
“He’s helped me so much. I thought I had nothing to give back. Giving money feels so tacky. I’d rather buy something practical.” Doris had so many thanks in her heart, but saying ‘thank you‘ felt too empty; showing it through actions felt more meaningful.
“Doris, seriously, you’ve hit the jackpot.” Lola was genuinely happy for Doris.
Doris had the same thought as Lola. As long as Lewis was good to her, she’d be good to him. Even if they ended their marriage someday, at least she wouldn’t owe him too much.
The coffee shop was nearly sorted out, so if they weren’t busy, Lola and Doris finished work around 5:30 to 6 p.m., and the rest was left to the manager, Jennett.
Lewis was already home and had made red wine–braised beef brisket, vegetable and fruit salad, and two servings of tomato pasta.
“You’re back, dinner’s ready,” Lewis said. When Doris walked in, Lewis’s sharp eyes spotted the large paper bag in her hands, but he didn’t ask anything.
“Mr. Hartman, could you come here for a minute?” Doris headed toward the living room.
Lewis washed his hands, dried them, and walked over. “What’s up?”
Doris held the bag with both hands and presented it to him. “This is for you, gift–just a little token of my appreciation.”
“For me?” Lewis was surprised, reaching out to take it and asking, “What is it?”
“You’ll see for yourself.” Doris placed her hands behind her back, her eyes on the bag.
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Lewis opened the bag and took out a suit, shirt, and tie. “So complete?”
“Do you like it?” Doris was afraid he wouldn’t. “I noticed you only wear black, white, and gray, so I thought I’d add a little color. You’re not really going to dislike it, are you?”
“Of course I like it, you picked it out.” Lewis set the clothes down. “I’ve never worn other colors, but trying something different now and then sounds good.”
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“Why don’t you try it on and see if it fits? If it doesn’t, I can exchange it tomorrow,” Doris suggested, wanting to see how he looked in it.
“Okay” Lewis picked up the bag. “Wait for me a moment.”
“Mm–hmm,” Doris was excited to see a new side of Lewis.
Soon enough, Lewis came out in the suit. It fit him perfectly. The clothes complemented him, and he brought the suit to life, showing off the best of both.
The navy blue was mature and steady, and the blue–and–white striped shirt matched perfectly, showcasing the elegance of a gentleman. Doris picked up the tie and matched it to the collar of his shirt. The colors were harmonious together.
“What made you think of buying clothes for me?” That really surprised him.
“I just wanted to thank you with actions.” Words of thanks always felt insincere, and she wasn’t the type to forget kindness.
“Actions?” Lewis raised an eyebrow, a charming smile curling at the corners of his lips. “I have a better suggestion. Do you want to hear it?”
