Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Doris suddenly poked Lewis’s waist with her index finger.
He immediately furrowed his brow and complained, “Don’t be so heartless. You know my waist hurts
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“Heh, you deserve it, Doris shot back, her tone fierce, She’d felt sorry for him last night, but since today, not a single ounce of sympathy was left.
She grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom. After changing, Doris made her way downstairs. The delicious aroma from the kitchen hit her immediately, making her stomach growl.
“Doris, want some waffles?” Margaret asked. “If you’re not in the mood, I’ve also got Cream of Wheat. Just pick what you like.”
“Waffles look great. I want to try Nadia’s cooking. Doris sat down next to Margaret and said, “Margaret, I really meant to make you breakfast, but sorry, I overslept. I’ll make it up to you next time.”
“It’s no big deal. Margaret waved it off casually. “Now that you and Lewis are married, I’m sure you’ll be eating at my place often enough.”
Doris remembered setting an alarm for 6 a.m. last night, but it hadn’t gone off. She wondered if she had misremembered, or if someone had turned it off. If it was the latter, the prime suspect was absolutely Lewis. Yet she didn’t know why he did that.
Lewis walked into the dining room, hands casually shoved in his pockets, looking completely relaxed.
Doris let go of her suspicions and lowered her gaze.
Just then, Nadia brought the steaming waffles to the table. Doris grabbed a fork, speared a piece, drizzled some chocolate sauce over it, and took a bite. The waffles tasted indeed soft and delicious.
After breakfast, it was time for Lewis and Doris to head back to work.
Nadia packed some freshly baked bread for them and said, “I’ll bake more once you’re done, and I’ll send it over to you.”
Margaret had also packed a bunch of fresh fruits, filling up the trunk. “We planted them ourselves with no pesticides. They’re totally safe green food.”
Then, Margaret pulled out a card and handed it to Doris. “Here, this is a little gift for your new life together. Take it.”
“Margaret, I can’t take this. Keep it for you,” Doris said, trying to give it back.
“Listen, I’ve got enough money and everything I need. This is just my blessing for you and Lewis. Take it, or I’ll be sad,” Margaret insisted, trying to look stern but failing miserably.
“Well, just take it, Doris,” Lewis chimed in to persuade Doris.
Finally, Doris accepted the card and replied, “Thank you so much, Margaret.”
Margaret handed Lewis a card next with a grin. “Your amount is smaller than Doris’s.”
“I’m fine with that. I’m not jealous,” Lewis said while tucking the card into his jacket pocket.
“Take care of Doris. If you make her suffer, I’ll break your legs,” Margaret said in a serious tone. A second later, she shifted her expression to a soft smile and added, “It would be great if a grandchild is coming to our family soon.”
Hearing that sensitive topic, Doris felt her face heat up. The morning sunlight washed over her face, warm and bright, making her flush stunningly beautiful.
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Chapter 33
“Margaret, we’re leaving,” Doris said, ready to head out.
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“Alright,” Margaret replied, opening her arms to hug both Doris and Lewis. She held them a little longer than usual, clearly reluctant to let go. “Take care.”
Lewis and Doris got into the car and drove off. Looking through the rearview mirror, Doris saw Margaret standing in the doorway, watching them and waving goodbye. A soft, tender feeling welled up inside Doris. Her eyes stung, tears threatening to spill.
Out of the corner of his eye, Lewis noticed the redness in Doris’s eyes, and he comforted, “It’s okay. You can visit Margaret anytime you want.”
“Mm.” Doris sniffled, trying to hold back the tears.
Soon, Lewis dropped Doris to her workplace. Doris changed into her work clothes at the hotel and was just about to head to the office when Leon walked in.
“Alright, everyone, put down what you’re doing for a sec. I’ve got something important to announce,” Leon said, his voice cutting through the room.
The whole staff in the food and beverage department gathered together, and Doris ended up standing at the far edge of the crowd.
Leon continued, “It’s confirmed that Hartman Group’s cocktail party will be held at our hotel. Make sure you’re in your best state, Mr. West values the deal with Hartman Group, so not a single mistake is allowed. If anyone screws this up, you’re out!”
Leon shot a glance at Doris before continuing, “Okay, get back to work.”
Just as Doris was about to turn and leave, she heard Leon’s voice call her name, “Doris, could you come here please?”
Doris hesitated for a moment but still followed him to a quieter corner.
Leon didn’t waste time but threatened. “Doris, Hartman Group’s event is super crucial. You should know what to do, huh? If you want to keep your job, give me a reply before the event. Otherwise, you know the consequence.”
Doris watched Leon walk off, mentally cursing him out a dozen times.
After a long day at work, Doris changed into something more casual and was just about to leave when Lola stopped her.
“Hey, Doris, how about we hit the shops and grab a bite?” Lola asked, her tone playful.
Lola was wearing a stylish black and white floral silk shirt and long skirt with a red belt at her waist. It was super elegant, perfect for a woman in her prime.
She’d also left a couple of buttons undone at the collar, showing off her smooth, fair skin.
“I…” Doris hesitated. She had planned to cook at home after work. After all, Lewis had given her quite a bit of money.
“What’s with the hesitation? I mean, sure, your face could look good in a potato sack, but it’s a shame to hide your body in baggy clothes.” Lola glanced at Doris’s white T–shirt and jeans with a look of mock sympathy.
Doris was the practical type, and she didn’t often bother with fashion. She replied, “I just bought two outfits yesterday.”
“Come on, no woman would ever complain about having too many clothes. Honestly, think about your father who’s always focused on his son. You work hard and don’t spend a dime on yourself. Do you want your father to take your money and spoil your brother with it?
“Doris, don’t sacrifice everything for them. They won’t thank you for it, and they’ll probably think you owe them even more.” Lola linked arms with Doris and said with a wink, “Come on, at least hang out with me. I need you.”
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Chapter 88
Dorks couldn’t rester Lola’s invitation, so she finally gave in “Alright, let’s g
Lola said with a grin, “Dinner first, then shopping fr’ll help with digestion/
Doristexted Lewis before they left: I’m going shopping with my friend after work. You’ll have to handle dumer on your own tonight I
When they got to the restaurant, Doris noticed Lewis hadn’t replied yet, so she called him instead,
It rang twice before he picked up. “What’s up?” he asked, his tone business–like,
“Did you not see my message?” Doris asked, confused.
“I’m busy,” he answered briefly,
Doris felt a bit deflated, and she suddenly was at a loss for words.
A few seconds passed, and Doris was about to speak again when Lewis spoke up first, “Sorry, I don’t check mesayes much. If it’s important, just call me. If I don’t respond to your message, you can call me. It’s more efficient”
“Got it.” Doris replied.
Lewis glanced at his WhatsApp and added, “I saw your message. I’ve got plans tonight, won’t be home for dinner, so you can go ahead and hang out with your friend”
Doris felt a little lighter, and the guilt in her mind earlier vanished.
Lola ordered her favorite dishes. Despite being a rich girl, Lola loved simple, down–to–earth food and often frequented affordable restaurants.
“Here, Doris, cheers!” Lola clinked her soda against Doris’s, flashing a mischievous grin. “Cheers to a fun night?”
After dinner, Lola took Doris to her favorite high–end boutique. The clothes here were way too expensive for Doris, but Lola loved shopping here.
As soon as they stepped into the store, they saw the staff crowding around a woman with wavy, long hair.
She was wearing a champagne–colored dress with a V–neck and puffed sleeves, layers of soft tulle accented with gold thread and sequins, making her look like a glowing mermaid.
“Ms. Wilkinson, that dress is absolutely stunning on you!” one of the clerks gushed.
“Zoe, you’ll definitely be the star of the cocktail party,” someone else chimed in.
“Mr. Hartman will be so impressed with you,” another added.
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