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 I borrow my birth certificate for a bit? I need to make a copy for some paperwork”
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 came through, 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. I hope you don’t mind.”
Doris blinked in recognition. So that’s who it is, she thought
The memory came rushing 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 I 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, I 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. “You’re here. I 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 bring me a gift, Margaret said, touched but slightly flustered. “I don’t even know how to thank you. enough” She gestured for Doris to come closer. “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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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 come on too strong. Margaret covered her mouth with a sheepish laugh. “What I mean is, I 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 setting me up 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 some social 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 helped me yesterday. 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 want me to acknowledge her, I’ll oblige her little act, he thought.
Doris quickly stood up, eager to escape the unbearable awkwardness. “Margaret, I 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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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. “Me Harman after something
in
“Thank you for saving my grandmother.” he said, closing the distance between them in two long strides. His sowering frame made 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 time they 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 time to reconsider.”
Her clear, determined eyes met his as she replied firmly. “Mr. Hartman, there’s nothing to retouder Let’s per mart
be
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 I 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, Ivan 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 time within 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
