apter 63
Chapter 63
Doris thought for a moment before looping her arms around the week and putting his head downt et me kiss you” Without hesitation, she pressed her lips againer his left cheek.
He froze in place, the only thing registering was the exft touch of her lips and the faint, wearing warmth they left behind
Doris collapsed onto the bed with a sariched sigh. “I didn’t get capped to mo be a dream after all
Lewis, on the other hand, clenched his fists. Cirl, you kicked me, and now you’re pretending it difier happen, thinking it was just a dream? Tomorrow morning, you’ll pay for this. He smirked slightly as he wondered, anddenly eager for the morning
to arrive.
That night. Doris had a peculiar dream. In it, she boldly kissed Lewis. Then the dream ended, and morning came
Doris breathed a sigh of relief as she wondered. Thank goodness it was just a dream. If it had been real, Lewis would’ve tossed me out for sure! She resolved to make herself a hearty breakfast to calm her nerves,
As she stepped out of her bedroom, she noticed something unusual. The doorway was empty. Biscuit wasn’t there to greet her as usual.
She walked further and spotted a familiar, tall figure standing in the open–concept kitchen. Lewis looked up and saw her, his gaze calm. “Morning.”
“Morning…” Doris stammered, completely stunned. “When did you get back?”
“Just past two in the morning,” Lewis replied casually, retrieving a tray of freshly toasted bread and setting it onto a plate.
Doris‘ eyes widened, her pupils gradually dilating.
She distinctly remembered falling asleep on the living room couch last night, yet she woke up in her own bed this morning.
‘If I wasn’t sleepwalking, then Lewis must’ve carried me to my room. Her memories began to resurface as she wondered, Wait a second… I kissed him last night. Could it have been real? Was it not a dream?‘
“Last night… was it you who carried me back to my room?” Doris hesitantly asked.
“Who else? Do you think Biscuit dragged you in there?” Lewis responded while arranging washed cherry tomatoes on a plate.
Doris‘ heart sank.
“I didn’t… I didn’t do anything inappropriate, did I?” she asked cautiously.
“What do you think?” Lewis‘ tone was deliberately ambiguous.
She shrank back. “I’m sorry. Whatever I did, I didn’t mean it.”
“Then you admit it was intentional.” Lewis quipped, casting her a sidelong glance.
Doris was at a loss for words. She couldn’t explain herself even if she tried.
“Doris, you’ve got guts. I need to punish you,” Lewis said, his tone serious. “Since you kissed me, you’re not allowed to kiss anyone else. Agreement or not, we’re living like an ordinary couple this year.
“If you’re bold enough to act, you should take responsibility. As my wife, it’s your duty. Understand?”
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‘What? That’s the punishment? It’s not as bad as I expected. Doris nodded reluctantly as she wondered, ‘After all, I’m the one at fault here!‘
Summoning her courage, she replied, “Mr. Hartman, ever since we got married, I haven’t had any thoughts about anyone else. You can rest assured. I would never do anything to betray you. I’ll honor this marriage and you until the day it ends.
Lewis remained composed, his handsome face unreadable. “Come have breakfast.”
He placed two plates on the dining table, and Doris walked over to sit down. She quietly started eating while Lewis lowered his head, saying nothing more.
When they finished, Lewis elegantly dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin. Even such a simple gesture seemed refined and mesmerizing.
‘God must have played favorites when creating him, Doris thought, unable to suppress her awe.
Lewis pulled out a blue velvet box and placed it on the table, sliding it toward her. “I saw this while I was away. It caught my eye, and I thought it’d suit you. It’s a gift.”
Doris‘ eyes lit up with surprise. She hadn’t expected him to think of her during his busy business trip, let alone bring her a gift. His thoughtfulness earned him a perfect score in her book.
“Open it and see if you like it,” he said gently.
“Okay.” Doris didn’t hesitate, her lips curling into a delighted smile. She slowly opened the box to reveal a pair of delicate snowflake–shaped earrings nestled inside.
The six petals of the snowflake earrings were entirely encrusted with diamonds, exuding elegance and simplicity.
Under the light, the diamonds refracted a spectrum of colors, making the earrings both exquisite and stunning. Lewis certainly had an impeccable eye for beauty.
“These earrings must’ve cost you a fortune, right?” Doris asked, her tone tinged with concern. They looked undeniably expensive with diamonds and pearls. They had to be over 3,000 dollars.
Lewis took a sip of water, his movements unhurried and composed. “We’ve been married for a while now, and I haven’t given you many gifts. These earrings aren’t valuable because of their price but because of the thought behind them. Just accept them without a second thought.”
Doris knew she shouldn’t dwell on the cost, but she couldn’t help feeling a little distressed about the money. “I’ll accept the gift, but please don’t spend so much on me again.”
“What’s wrong with me spending money on my wife?” Lewis stood and walked over, gently taking the jewelry box from her hands, his brow arching slightly.
“Doris, money only becomes meaningful when a man earns it to spend on a woman. That’s when it’s more than just cold, lifeless numbers. It becomes warm and significant.”
Doris tilted her head to look up at him, finding him increasingly captivating with each passing moment.
“Try them on,” Lewis said, taking the earrings out of the box. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly under the lights.
“Sit still. I’ll help you.” Standing by her side, he bent slightly, his expression serious but his movements inexperienced.
“If it hurts, let me know,” he murmured, his breath brushing against her ear and making her shiver.
“Okay,” Doris whispered, biting her lip lightly, her cheeks already flushed with warmth.
It took him several attempts to guide the earring post through her ear piercing properly. Finally, he succeeded in placing the
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first earring on her left ear.
By the time he moved to the right ear, his technique had improved, and it took him less time.
“All done.” Lewis said, letting out a small breath. He found the task more challenging than his work, but at least he’d completed it. “Looks like I’ll need to practice more often. After all, practice makes perfect. Go take a look in the mirror
Doris stood up from the table and walked toward the bathroom, with Lewis casually trailing behind.
She stood in front of the mirror while he leaned against the doorframe, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his long legs slightly bent in a relaxed yet effortlessly striking stance.
Looking at her reflection, Doris saw how the snowflake earrings became the perfect finishing touch, elevating her elegance and grace.
“They look beautiful,” Lewis remarked, his gaze resting on her through the mirror, the faintest trace of a smile forming in his eyes.
Doris met his gaze in the reflection, her heart blooming with subtle, sweet warmth. “Thank you for the gift”
“You’re welcome,” he replied simply.
As they prepared to leave for work, Doris instinctively reached up to take off the earrings, intending to leave them safely at home. But Lewis stopped her.
“Keep them on. Why leave them at home? They’re not antiques to be locked away,” he said firmly.
“But I’m worried about losing them. This is the first gift you’ve given me, so it’s like an antique to me. It’s something precious I want to keep safe,” Doris explained earnestly.
“If you lose them, I’ll just buy you another pair,” Lewis responded with nonchalance.
“Mr. Hartman, has anyone ever told you that you’re extravagant?” Doris teased, raising an eyebrow at him.
“Mrs. Hartman, has anyone ever told that
you you look even more beautiful this way?” he retorted with a smirk. “Some expenses can be saved, but others are absolutely necessary.”
Doris felt utterly defeated by his compliment. There was something universally gratifying about a man’s praise, and she was no exception to this rule.
