Chapter 41
Lewis stood up and blocked her way. “Doris, I just think your job at the hotel isn’t easy, and you’re delivering food late into the night. Working ten–plus hours a day–can your body handle in
“Don’t overstrain yourself while you’re still young. No matter how much money you make, it won’t buy back your health. I’m just looking out for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hartman, for your concern. I’ll know my limits. If I really can’t handle it, I won’t force myself” Doris couldn’t relax until she had paid off her debts.
Lewis kept his emotions in check. “Let’s put aside the health issues for now. You’re riding a bike delivering food, rushing to grab orders, weaving through traffic. Do you know how dangerous that is?
“And you come home at one or two in the morning. You’re a woman–bad people can target you! You don’t need me to remind you of all the news about this, do you?
“Yesterday, if I hadn’t run into you by chance, I wouldn’t have known you were delivering food. I thought you were working late at the hotel. If you want a part–time job, you can choose something easier”
Doris felt that even though they were married, there should still be boundaries. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to tell you about such small matters.”
Lewis thought, ‘Not necessary? How? She really doesn’t know what’s good for her.
“Doris, remember, we’re legally married!” He had a responsibility to ensure her safety.
“But we agreed not to interfere with each other,” Doris replied.
The conversation over breakfast led to no conclusions.
On the way to work, Lewis remained silent, his handsome face tense.
Doris didn’t feel like talking. She turned her head and kept looking out the car window.
She knew Lewis was probably upset, but they weren’t a normal married couple. To her, they were just housemates living under the same roof.
She didn’t interfere in his life, and she had every right to make her own decisions about work and personal matters.
“From now on, you don’t have to cook dinner anymore,” Lewis said. He didn’t want her to overwork herself.
However, Doris thought he did not like her cooking.
“Alright,” Doris agreed without hesitation. “In that case, the household budget card you gave me–I don’t have it with me right now. I’ll return it to you when we get home.”
“Suit yourself,” Lewis said as he stepped on the gas and drove off.
Doris stomped her foot in frustration. She thought, ‘What’s with that attitude?‘
‘Fine!‘ she thought. She wouldn’t bother anymore. In fact, she’d be happy to have one less thing to do. But deep down, she felt a little bitter.
Doris turned on her heel, lifted her chin, and headed to Hampstone Hotel.
By noon, she finally had a moment to catch her breath.
16:13 Fri, 28 Feb MO
Chapter 41
She was absentmindedly staring at her phone, so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice when Lola arrived
Lola’s sudden appearance startled her. Doris clutched her chest. “Why are you sneaking up on me like that?”
“Sneaking up on you? Excuse me. You don’t describe a beautiful woman like that Lola playfully flicked her hair, the golden hoop earrings on her ears catching the light. “You look totally out of it. Did you have a fight with your husband
Doris was speechless–Lola had hit the nail on the head. “Not really a fight, just different opinions.”
“Tell me about it.” Lola plopped down in a chair, looking genuinely interested.
“It’s just that I took on a part–time job, and he wasn’t happy about it. Doris recounted their morning conversation. “I mean, it’s such a small thing, right?
“Do I really have to tell him everything? Wouldn’t that just annoy him? Besides, shouldn’t I be able to make my own decisions about my life?”
“Besides, shouldn’t I be able to make my own decisions about my life?”
The more Doris talked, the angrier she got. “Not only does he have a sharp tongue, but his temper is just the worst.
She picked up her water cup and took a few sips.
After a brief pause, Lola finally spoke. “You done? Because now it’s my turn. Doris, you’re missing the point. Mr. Hartman isn’t angry–he’s worried about you. And little things like this show whether or not you put him first.
“Why should I put him first?” Doris was only focused on earning money as quickly as possible to pay back Lola.
“You’re married. What husband or wife doesn’t want to be their spouse’s number one priority?” Lola tilted her head and looked at Doris.
“Wouldn’t you want your tall, handsome, and strong husband to cherish you? If he had another woman in his heart, wouldn’t you be jealous?”
Doris almost blurted out “Of course not,” but she swallowed her words and changed it to, “I trust him.”
A loving couple would naturally expect to be each other’s priority, but she and Lewis weren’t that kind of couple.
She couldn’t even tell Lola that they had a contract marriage–that they’d be separating in a year and that love wasn’t part of the deal. If she did, her best friend would definitely call her an idiot.
Lola’s eyes filled with amusement as she teased, “Doris, I think you’re showing off.”
“Showing off?” Doris felt a little embarrassed under Lola’s gaze. “Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll ignore you.”
Lola draped an arm over Doris’s shoulder and sighed dramatically, “Doris, listen. Mr. Hartman is handsome, fit, responsible, and totally devoted to his wife. He’s basically a god–tier husband.
“You’ve already beaten 90% of women by having a husband like that. Doris, sometimes you have to appreciate what you have. If you let go of him, you might never find another one like him.”
Doris pursed her lips: She couldn’t deny that Lewis was a great man–the kind many women dreamed of. But it just wasn’t possible between them.
“Oh, right! Remember how I said Mr. Hartman should treat me to a meal? Did you ask him?” Lola suddenly remembered.
“I completely forgot,” Doris admitted apologetically.
Lola shoved her phone into Doris’s hand. “Tonight then! Call your dear husband right now and set up dinner.”
2/3
16:13 Fri, 28 Feb
Chapter 41
“He’s still mad. How about another day?” Doris wasn’t sure how to face Lewis at the moment.
“Nope.” Lola wagged her finger in front of Doris, rejecting the idea outright.
Doris looked troubled. They had just had an argument this morning–calling him now would make her seem totally shameless.
“Come on. He’s your husband.” Lola could read Doris’s mind like an open book. “This dinner is the perfect opportunity to make up. Just act a little cute, and he’ll soften right up.”
Lola smirked and raised an eyebrow at Doris.
Acting cute? That was the last thing Doris knew how to do.
Lola nudged Doris. “Hurry up, or don’t call me your best friend anymore.”
Backed into a corner, Doris had no choice but to call Lewis. She secretly prayed he wouldn’t pick up or that he’d be busy tonight–anything to avoid meeting up.
But, of course, fate didn’t go her way. Lewis answered promptly. “What’s up?”
“Are you free tonight? My best friend found out I got married and wants to meet you over dinner. If you’re busy, we can do it another time-” But before she could finish, he said, “I’m free.”
Doris thought, ‘Did he have to agree so quickly?‘
3/3
