Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Soon, Lewis’s grandpa, Lewis’s grandma, Henry, and Janice all handed Doris a large amount of money.
Doris was a little overwhelmed. Was this some kind of family tradition?
“Once you’re married, you get money from us. Just take it.” Janice grabbed Doris‘ hand and placed the envelope in her palm.
Doris felt reluctant to accept the money.
“What about mine?” Lewis asked, pretending to be displeased.
“Sorry, you don’t get any.” Janice asked back.
Janice didn’t even try to hide her favoritism.
Doris secretly felt pleased when she saw Lewis being teased by his mom.
Just then, the doorbell rang, and Lewis went to answer it.
At the door, Laura was holding Arianna by the hand, with wine and fruit in the other.
“Come on in!” Lewis helped take the items from her hands.
Laura entered with Arianna, following Lewis into the living room.
Doris stood up, walked over to Laura, and introduced her to the Hartman family.
“Ari, say hello,” Laura reminded her daughter.
“Hi everyone! I’m Arianna, you can call me Ari,” Arianna said sweetly and confidently.
“Such a good child,” everyone in the Hartman family praised her.
“Ari, you should congratulate Lewis,” said Laura.
Arianna looked at Lewis. “Congratulations, Lewis.”
“Good girl.” Lewis patted her head. “Wait for me a moment.”
Lewis took a box from under the coffee table and squatted down in front of Arianna. “Ari, it’s our first official meeting. This is a gift for you. Do you like it?”
But Arianna clung tightly to Laura’s leg, a hint of fear in her expression.
Lewis thought his usual cold demeanor must have scared her.
Only Laura knew that Matteo had caused Arianna a lot of psychological trauma, leaving a lasting impression on her young
heart.
She was also very upset, and Laura crouched down, holding Arianna’s wrist. “Ari, Lewis gave you a toy, which means he likes you.”
“Yeah, Ari, come on. Let’s see if you like the toy,” Doris coaxed Arianna.
Only then did Arianna turn to look at Lewis. He really didn’t seem as scary as her dad.
“Here, take it,” Lewis smiled and handed her the toy.
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Chapter 39
Arianna carefully reached out and hugged it. “Thank you, Lewis.”
“Tell me, do you like it?”
“I do, this is my favorite Barbie. It’s so beautiful,” Arianna said, holding the Barbie doll that was as tall as her, not wanting to let go.
“Can I get a hug too?” Lewis opened his arms, his eyes full of expectation.
Laura and Doris both looked at her encouragingly.
Arianna walked toward Lewis, who lifted her up in a soft hug, “I really like you, Ari. Can we be good friends?”
Arianna hesitated but nodded.
“Then let’s make a pinky promise.” Lewis extended his pinky.
Arianna reached out and hooked her pinky, and they stamped it with their thumbs, completing the promise.
Lewis’s heart melted at the sight of cute Arianna. He gently patted her head twice.
Arianna let go of her guard and fear, and kissed Lewis on the cheek.
Lewis was stunned for a moment, then his lips curled into a joyful smile.
“Lewis, do you want to play together?” Arianna opened her heart.
“Ari, Lewis has things to do. Don’t bother him,” Laura told her daughter.
“It’s okay.” Lewis shook his head. “I want to play with Ari too.”
“Then you be a good girl. I’ll help Aunt Doris,” Laura said, hoping to help Doris sooner.
“Laura, you’re our guest. Let us play with Ari, and let Lewis and Fabio go help,” Janice said to her sons.
Since his mom had spoken, Lewis put Arianna down. “I’ll play with you after we eat.”
The Hartman family’s rule was that the man should always take care of his wife.
So, Laura was gently persuaded to sit in the living room and chat with the Hartman family elders.
The Hartman family elders were very easygoing and warm, so Laura felt no discomfort and instead relaxed.
Laura thought that although Doris had married quickly, she had found a good husband, which was inseparable from Lewis harmonious and beautiful family background.
She believed Doris would be happy. Doris spent the whole morning preparing a table full of dishes. Of course, Lewis helped a lot, and Fabio was forced to assist.
Doris kept in mind the elders, so the dishes were all relatively light.
Seared prawns, grilled ribs, bolognese, fish and chips, Caesar salad, crab cakes, and tomato soup.
The Hartman family looked at the full table of food, feeling Doris’s sincere effort.
After eating a lot of dishes made by big chefs, it felt refreshing to eat Doris’s cooking. Everyone praised her endlessly.
After the meal, Doris started cleaning up, but Laura also wanted to help. Janice stopped the two sisters. “Doris, you’ve worked enough cooking. Let Lewis wash the dishes. You’re too soft–hearted. Don’t spoil him, or it’ll be you who suffers.
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Chapter 39
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Laura, come sit with us in the living room.”
Lewis looked at his mother scolding him and gave her a questioning look. “Mom, I’m your real son!”
“Lewis, you’ve got this,” Janice said, pulling Doris and Laura to the living room to rest.
Lewis looked at the pile of dishes and almost lost it. He would be fine washing just some fruit and veggies. But a whole table of dishes was just too much for him.
Lewis locked eyes with Fabio.
Fabio tried to sneak away, but Lewis grabbed him by the collar, leaving him no way out. “Bro…”
“Exactly, we’re brothers. You’re in this with me,” Lewis said with a wicked smile. “Start cleaning!”
“You said I should go to school after eating. I’m going now.” Fabio had never washed dishes before, being the youngest at home and spoiled by everyone
“Stop talking nonsense!” Lewis yelled.
With a tyrant of an older brother, Fabio could only cry.
With Fabio as his helper, Lewis had it much easier.
It was getting late, and Fabio had to go back to school. Less than three months left until the SATS.
Laura also left with the Hartman family. Since Lewis had drunk, he couldn’t drive, so he called a car for Laura and Arianna.
As they were leaving, Janice took off a jade bracelet from her white wrist and placed it on Doris’s hand.
The jade bracelet reflected a beautiful light under the lamp, its green glow sparkling, crystal clear and transparent.
Lewis immediately recognized that this jade bracelet was a family heirloom passed down from the Hartman family.
His mother really knew how to spend big. This jade bracelet was worth over 30 million dollars, enough to buy several villas in Hampstone,
If Doris knew this bracelet was worth so much, she’d probably laugh herself silly.
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