Chapter 91
Doris knew that what she was doing was unfair to Lewis.
She was the one who had begged him to marry her in the first place. He had agreed, and they had promised to divorce after a year. But now, she had no choice but to end the marriage early.
She could no longer help him deal with his grandmother. She couldn’t use Peyton’s life to fight against Jimmy out of spite.
And in the end, she and Lewis were nothing more than housemates who had lived together for just over a month.
She believed that someone as outstanding as him would meet someone even better. In her heart, she wished him happiness.
Meanwhile, Ivan invited Lola to dinner at Free Life, a restaurant filled with French romantic ambiance.
Lola arrived as promised. She wore a black slip dress adorned with small white floral prints. The hem was asymmetrical with ruffled edges, revealing her graceful shoulders, neck, and legs.
Her delicate makeup and slightly wavy long hair exuded a mesmerizing charm. The only accessory on her neck was a heart- shaped necklace–the same as Doris‘.
When Ivan saw Lola arrive, he immediately stood up and politely pulled out a chair for her.
Lola smiled in satisfaction and sat down gracefully. “Mr. Mitchell, what do you need from me?”
“Let’s talk while we eat.” Ivan gestured for the waiter to take their order.
Ivan said, “Ms. Bates–”
Lola raised an eyebrow with a confident flair. “Mr. Mitchell, you can call me Lola.”
Ivan nodded knowingly and smiled, “I just wanted to ask you about something. Has Doris been in a good mood lately?”
Lola thought for a moment. “She was a bit down when we had dinner a few days ago.”
“It seems they must have had a fight.” Ivan speculated.
“Who had a fight?” Lola’s hand, holding her lemonade, paused as she looked at Ivan seriously.
“Yesterday, Lewis drank with us to drown his sorrows. The moment Doris was mentioned, his face darkened. I was wondering if they had a quarrel,” Ivan explained.
But Lola said, “Doris‘ mother is sick. She’s worried, so she’s been feeling down. But what’s this about you guys fighting? Did Lewis bully my Doris? If he dares to bully my Doris, I won’t let him off.”
Lola smiled as she slowly clenched her fist.
“Bully? Not exactly,” Ivan chuckled.
“It better not be.” Lola took a sip of her lemonade.
“I heard Hampstone Hotel invited Doris to return to work, but she declined. Do you know how that opportunity came about?” asked Ivan.
Lola instantly understood. “Lewis? But he’s just an ordinary employee. How could he make Hampstone Hotel’s executives change their minds?”
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Chapter 91
Lvan said, “He’s worked at Hartman Group for years and knows plenty of influential people. He has connections.
“Doris actually wanted to return to work, but I convinced her to start a business with me. That’s why she declined Mr.
Hartman’s offer.
“Who wants to be a lifelong employee? Doris‘ dream is to own her own dessert shop, so I helped her make it happen.”
Lola never intended to disrupt Lewis‘ plans.
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“Then let’s not tell Doris about this. No need to burden her with guilt.” Ivan worried that Doris would feel bad if she found
out.
Lola placed both hands around her glass. “I’ll remember Mr. Hartman’s kindness toward Doris. Thank him for me.”
“Now that they’re not getting along, as their close friends, shouldn’t we help them out?” Ivan suggested.
“Sure,” Lola agreed readily. “But what’s in it for me?”
“I’ll have Lewis treat you to dinner.”
“Mr. Mitchell, you’re the one asking me for a favor, so it should be you thanking me.” Lola propped her chin on one hand, her gaze soft and teasing.
“Then what do you want me to do?” Ivan’s charming eyes gleamed.
Lola blinked playfully at him and boldly said, “Be my boyfriend. How about that?”
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Ivan was caught off guard by Lola’s sudden “confession,” a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Ms. Bates, a woman as beautiful as you won’t have trouble finding a boyfriend.”
“But I just need one like you–handsome and thoughtful.” Lola leaned in closer to Ivan.
Ivan had planned to help Lewis solve his relationship troubles, but now he had unknowingly stepped into a trap himself.
“Ms. Bates, I’m sorry, but I already have someone I like.” Ivan hope this would make Lola give up. In his mind, a proud and stunning woman like her wouldn’t settle for a man who already had feelings for someone else.
“So what if you like someone? As long as you’re single, I still have a chance.” Lola was unfazed. “Besides, how do I know that this ‘someone‘ isn’t just an excuse?”
Ivan’s eyes were narrowed. “Ms. Bates, you can find someone better.”
“Mr. Mitchell, it’s just dating, not marriage. Don’t be so serious,” Lola smiled reassuringly. “Relax. Let’s eat first.”
As they spoke, their dishes were served one by one.
Lola picked up her phone and snapped some photos–the food and the handsome man.
“Can I post this online?” Lola asked as she edited the post.
“Go ahead.” Ivan elegantly sliced his steak.
Lola arranged the photos into a nine–grid collage and posted them on her feed.
Ivan’s appearance lured out all of Lola’s lurking friends, who flooded in to like the post.
The most common comment underneath was: [Where did this handsome guy come from? Introduce him to me!]
[Is this your new boyfriend? Nice taste!]
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Chapter 91
Lola replied to all comments: [Handsome, right? He’s mine. I’m pursuing him…].
[Wishing you success in winning him over!]
Lola looked at that comment and smiled.
“Are you that happy?” asked Ivan.
“Everyone there is praising your looks. Being in the photo with Mr. Mitchell is worth celebrating.” Lola tapped her phone, and then looked at Ivan. “Let’s add each other.”
Ivan put down his fork, wiped his mouth and fingers carefully, and then picked up his phone and accepted Lola’s WhatsApp
request.
Right after, Lola sent over a bunch of photos. “Mr. Mitchell, pick whichever you like to post.
“I don’t like posting these, Ivan spoke the truth.
After dinner, Ivan and Lola said their goodbyes.
Since Ivan had wine, he called for a designated driver.
While in the car, he called Lewis, “Where are you?”
“At home.” Lewis was sitting alone in the living room.
On the coffee table in front of him lay the divorce agreement Doris had given him. She had already signed her name on it. Her handwriting was as delicate and elegant as she was.
Ivan said, “I ran into Lola today, so we had dinner together. She told me that Doris‘ mom fell ill and then got into a car accident–she’s in the hospital now.
“Doris has been staying overnight at the hospital to keep watch and sleeping during the day. She hasn’t even had the time to argue with you. And she didn’t return to work at the hotel–Lola invited her to start a business together.
“Their café is still under renovation. Once it’s done, they’ll do a trial opening.”
Ivan rattled off a series of updates.
Lewis remained silent.
“I’m not lying to you.” Ivan even sent him a photo of himself with Lola.
Lewis stared at the picture, his gaze locked onto the necklace around Lola’s neck.
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