Chapter 88
“A wife in name only, with no real feelings involved, Lewis said indifferently.
“Tak, that’s a pretty cruel thing to say,” Ivan dramatically pressed a hand to his heart, his face full of exaggerated emotion
Lewis looked at his over–the–top performance in silence. “Being a lawyer is a waste of your talent. You should consider acting -winning Best Actor would be a piece of cake
Ivan exposed Lewis pretense. “When Doris got into that car accident last time, who was the one who panicked like crazy?
“Which eye of yours saw me panic?” Lewis lied without blinking.
“Both Ivan held up two fingers in front of his eyes.
“Then you should go see an ophthalmologist,” Lewis said seriously. ‘I can have Danis book you an appointment at the hospital.”
“Oh, thanks so much,” Ivan replied sarcastically.
You’re welcome,” Lewis responded naturally.
Then, in the next second, Ivan turned serious and analyzed. “Just because there are no feelings now doesn’t mean there never will be. Doris may have come from an ordinary background, but she was born with a mesmerizing face.
“Staring at that face every day–there’s no guarantee you won’t fall for her.”
“If not for Grandma liking her, I wouldn’t have spared her a glance, let alone married her.” Lewis was stubborn to the core.
Ivan raised an eyebrow, thinking, ‘Oh? Playing hard to get now?‘
“Fine, remember what you just said.” Ivan thought life was unpredictable–he was looking forward to the day Lewis ate his own words. “With that attitude, you might as well let Doris go back to Ryan.”
“Him? She’s mine alone now.” Lewis let out a cold laugh.
Ivan was speechless.
Chris had been listening to their banter and only spoke once they were done, “If you don’t like her, why not just divorce her and set her free? Let the poor girl find her own happiness.”
He had brought up this topic before when he sensed something was off with Lewis. But back then, Lewis hadn’t responded- he had simply hung up the phone.
“A year later, we’ll go our separate ways.” Lewis took a sip of coffee.
“A year? That’s blocking a whole year’s worth of suitors for her. Be careful–karma might bite back,” Chris said, watching him with interest.
“She was the one who came to me asking for marriage in the first place. The contract is signed–I can’t go back on my word,” Lewis said calmly. “If she asks for a divorce, I’ll agree.”
Chris and Ivan exchanged a knowing glance. Neither of them said anything more.
The dishes started arriving one by one, and the three of them began their meal, of course, with plenty of good wine.
Lewis spoke very little, drinking non–stop.
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Chapter 88
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Be thought in depression. “That woman hasn’t contacted me for days–not even asking why I haven’t returned to Riverside Estates. She truly doesn’t care at all. Since she isn’t reaching mit to me, me neither. Fine. Let’s just keep up this cold war–we who gives in first.
Ivan and Chris could also tell he was in a bad mood.
You came in est, not to drink yourself into oblivion. Ivan parched down the bottle in Lewis‘ hand.
“Have some soup Chris scooped a bowl and placed it in front of Lewic
Lewis tucked it in.
Chris tilted his head toward Ivan and whispered, “Something must’ve gone wrong between him and Doris. Any idea what happened?
“How would I know what’s going on in their marriage?” Ivan frowned, “Didn’t you say you know one of Doris‘ best friends? Find a chance to ask.”
“Alright, I’ll ask tomorrow.” Chris nodded, accepting the mission.
Lewis set down the bowl with a thud and gave them both a cold stare. “You guys treating me like I’m invisible now? Stay out of my business.”
With that, Lewis stood up. “I’m heading back to sleep.”
Lewis left the private restaurant. Hank, waiting outside, opened the car door for him. Lewis bent down and got in.
As usual, Hank drove toward Sulnell Hill.
“Go to Greenlake Hill. I left a document there,” Lewis instructed Hank.
Only then did Hank change course to Greenlake Hill.
The black Rolls–Royce pulled up in front of the apartment building.
Lewis looked up and saw that the living room upstairs was completely dark. He thought, ‘It’s only eight o’clock. There’s no way she has gone to bed this early.‘
He sat in the car, neither speaking nor getting out.
Leaning against the window, he propped his elbow up and rested his fingers against his forehead.
Half an hour passed before Hank finally reminded him, “Mr. Hartman, didn’t you come to pick up a document?”
Only then did Lewis slowly open his eyes, push the door open, and step out of the car.
Upstairs, he noticed her slippers by the shoe cabinet. The apartment was eerily quiet, as if no one had lived there for a long time.
Lewis walked toward the rooms and stopped in front of Doris‘ door.
He raised his hand, intending to knock, but hesitated. Instead, he turned and went to the study, casually grabbing a folder before leaving.
When he reached the entryway, he suddenly turned back and knocked on Doris‘ door–but there was no response.
Gripping the doorknob, he twisted it open and switched on the light. The room was tidy, but empty.
He calmly stepped back, left the apartment, and returned to the car.
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Chapter 88
He didn’t say a word about leaving, and Hank knew better than to ask.
Over the past few days, Hank had noticed that Lewis was in a bad mood. He thought staying silent was the best strategy for
himself.
Lewis sat in the car until midnight, but Doris never returned.
“Let’s go,” he finally instructed Hank.
The next morning, Janice arrived at Sulnell Hill and was shocked to see Lewis there. “You… Why are you here?”
“This is my house. Why wouldn’t I be here?” Lewis found the question amusing. “Why are you here?”
You haven’t lived here in ages, so I brought someone to clean up.” Janice walked up to him and stood face–to–face. “Aren’t you staying at Greenlake Hill? When did you move back? And where’s your wife? Did you just leave her there alone?”
“We have different habits. Living separately is better.” Lewis poured her a glass of water and pushed it toward her.
“So, you had a fight with Doris, didn’t you?” Janice saw right through him.
“I have no time to fight with her.” Lewis grabbed his suit jacket. “I’m busy with work.”
Janice reached out and pinched his ear. “Wow, aren’t you something? You finally got yourself a wife, and now you’re just using her for arguments?”
“Mom-” Lewis pulled her hand away. “I’m not a kid anymore. Do you have to twist my ear?”
“I’d rip it off if I could,” Janice scolded him. “You must’ve thrown one of your spoiled rich–boy tantrums and pissed Doris off, didn’t you? Go apologize to her. Don’t act high and mighty with my daughter–in–law.”
“It wasn’t even my fault! Why should I apologize?” Lewis protested. “Are you sure I’m really your son?”
“Exactly because you’re my son, I refuse to be biased,” Janice said sternly. “You’re a grown man. What’s more important- your pride or your wife?”
“Mom, Doris and I only got married because of Grandma. It’s just a partnership, not love,” Lewis explained. “So just leave it alone.”
“Lewis, listen to me. Our whole family really likes Doris. I won’t allow you to bully her. You know how you should do now, right?” Janice laid down the law.
“Mom, you can like her all you want, but can you stop her from liking someone else?”
“Oh? So you’re jealous now?”
“Not at all.”
“Lewis, can’t you just make her fall for you?”
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