Chapter 82
Chapter 82
6-23
11
“Mr. Hartman, my patience has its limits too.” Doris fearlessly met his icy gaze. “Actually, this necklace was a gift from Lola
She had only meant to tease him, but he actually threw away her necklace. Now that she had told the truth, she’d like to see how he would make it up to her. She wouldn’t accept it anyway.
Lewis glared at her, the corner of his lips curling slightly, even as his eyes remained icy. “Now you’re claiming it came from Lola? Do you really expect me to trust you?”
“It really was from her. If you don’t believe me, call her and ask.” Doris was so angry that her eyes widened.
She thought, I’m telling the truth, yet he thought I’m lying?‘
“There’s no need.” Lewis‘ handsome face remained expressionless.
He thought, “They are best friends–Lola would obviously side with her.
“Believe it or not, this necklace was from Lola. You threw away a gift she gave me–what’s your explanation for that? I want an apology.” Doris was fuming.
“You accepted gifts from another man behind my back, and you expect me to apologize?” Lewis let out a cold scoff. “Keep dreaming.”
“You–you’re impossible!” Doris raised her hand to slap him.
Lewis tightened his grip, making Doris feel as if her arm was about to snap.
“Let go!” Doris lifted her foot and stomped down on him.
Lewis swiftly dodged and released her arm.
Doris shot him a glare, turned on her heels, and ran toward the entrance.
Lewis didn’t stop her. He simply stood there, watching as she flung the door open and left.
He remained motionless, rubbing his temples, feeling irritated. He thought, ‘My wife accepted a gift from another man, yet she blamed me for throwing it away.
He turned toward the balcony, lowered his gaze, and kept his eyes fixed on the exit of the apartment building. Before long, he saw Doris rushing outside.
She ran toward the greenery facing the balcony. Hunched over, she combed through the plants with her hands, carefully searching for the necklace.
Though Lewis couldn’t see her expression, he was certain that she was feeling anxious–even heartbroken.
Lewis clenched his jaw and gripped the stainless steel railing tightly. He stood there observing her every move as the sky darkened and the streetlights flickered on.
The more he watched, the more dissatisfied he felt. He thought, ‘Does she cherish the necklace that much? Or is it the person who gave it to her that she cares about?‘
He tore his gaze away from her and stepped back inside. Looking at the cold, untouched dinner on the table, he realized he had no appetite.
Without another glance, he walked further into the house.
1/3
12:30 Wed, 5 Mar
Chapter 82
476
Doris searched through the bushes for a long time, but the necklace was nowhere to be found. By now, the sky was pitch- black, and the dim streetlights barely helped
Her phone flashlight had drained the battery, She had no choice but to stop looking, an emptiness settling in her heart.
Feeling dejected, she composed herself and went back upstairs.
The house was eerily quiet, as if no one was home. Even Biscuit was nowhere to be seen.
Doris felt parched, so she went to the kitchen and gulped down a large glass of water.
The food on the dining table was ice cold. It was only then that she realized how hungry she was. She reheated the dishes and sat down alone to eat.
Normally, Lewis was cold, sharp–tongued, and temperamental, but he had never acted so irrationally before.
Doris thought, ‘No matter what, though, he shouldn’t have thrown my necklace away. If he doesn’t want to eat, he can starve for all I care.
After finishing her meal, Doris cleaned up the kitchen. She wasn’t in the mood to watch TV, so she went back to her room alone.
Having slept late the night before, Doris didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. the next day.
By this time, Lewis had already left for work.
Taking her time, Doris got up, washed up, made breakfast, and ate. Then she went downstairs to search for the necklace again–still nothing.
She hated Lewis to death. She gave up looking and decided to go home to see Peyton.
On the way, she called Lola.
“Are you calling to tell me good news?” Lola asked.
Doris gripped her phone tightly, thinking about the necklace Lola had given her, which Lewis had thrown away. Her heart ached.
“Lola, I’ve decided to open a store with you, but you have to agree to a few conditions,” Doris said with determination.
“Sure, even if there are dozens, no problem. Tell me,” Lola said, listening intently.
Doris slowly spoke, “Lola, I don’t have much money, but I’ll put in everything I have. Also, before your investment breaks even, I won’t take an end–of–year dividend.”
She thought that was the only fair way for both of them.
“Alright, I agree,” Lola said without hesitation. She knew Doris was strong–willed. “Then let’s work together.”
As soon as Lewis returned to his office after a meeting, Chris‘ call came in.
“What’s up?” Lewis leaned back in his leather executive chair, striking a handsome posture.
“News from Hampstone Hotel–your wife declined their offer to return to work.” Chris relayed the latest update.
2/3
Chapter 82
“She can go if she wants, or not,” Lewis said indifferently.
Chris immediately sensed something was off. “What’s going on?”
Just a few days ago. Lewis had been scheming to help his wife get back to work behind the scenes. But now, he suddenly
didn’t care.
“Nothing.” Lewis didn’t want to explain.
“Nothing? Then why the attitude?” Chris didn’t buy it. “Did you two fight?”
“We didn’t fight. We just stopped talking.” Lewis said coolly.
“Then why did you stop talking?” Chris pressed him.
11
Lewis furrowed his brows, hesitated for a few seconds, and then said, “She’s a married woman, yet she accepted a necklace from another man and even wore it. Does she think I’m blind? I’m her husband–does she think she can just treat me like this?”
“Last time, I went on a business trip and bought her a pair of earrings. Did she wear them every day? No. What, does she not like what I give her?”
After speaking, he took a sip of coffee.
Chris listened quietly, and then commented, “You sound seriously bitter. Are you jealous?”
“Me? Jealous?” Lewis chuckled.
“Isn’t that the case? Otherwise, why are you so mad? Didn’t you always say she’s just your wife in name? That there’s no real feelings involved?” Chris asked.
“A wife in name is still a wife, alright? Am I supposed to just let another man step all over me? If it were you, wouldn’t you care at all?
“Besides, we agreed from the start–when the time comes for a divorce, she can be with whoever she wants and accept as many gifts as she likes. It wouldn’t matter to me.” Lewis sounded magnanimous.
“If she’s already breaking the agreement and acting so unruly, why not just divorce her now?” Chris suggested.
Lewis froze.
“What’s wrong? Are you reluctant?” Chris‘ eyes gleamed. “Wait… don’t tell me you actually like her?”
3/3
