Chapter 18 87 % Doris bat down on her lip , swallowing the bitterness surging within her .
She forced herself to act as though Ryan didnt exist , treating him like nothing more than air .
Ryans gaze swept over her , seated silently at the table , her thick lashes casting soft shadows over her cheeks .
His lips curved into a smug smile , his eyes glinting with self satisfaction .
He cleared his throat and spoke with polished charm , Guys , my apologies for being late .
To make up for it .
Ive brought you guys some gifts .
Hope youll like them .
His impeccable looks and suave demeanor were enough to draw admiring glances from the young women there , especially from Claudias younger cousin , Ava Robinson , whose eyes practically sparkled with infatuation .
One by one .
Ryans subordinates handed out gift bags to Claudias relatives .
Even the children received their share .
Each bag contained a diamond encrusted watch a gesture so extravagant it left the room buzzing with astonishment .
Wow , this is real diamond ? someone gasped , holding the watch up to the light , his voice tinged with disbelief .
Diamonds ! Now thats worth something , another chimed in .
This is the first time Ive ever received a gift like this .
A diamond watch , no less .
Talk about luxury , a third exclaimed , clearly awed .
Claudias is family beamed with joy , their faces lit up with smiles as they admired their new treasures .
Ryans grand gesture not only impressed the crowd but also deeply stroked Jimmys ego .
He basked in the moment , his chest puffed out with pride as he declared , Allow me to introduce Mr.
Ryan Watson , the CEO of Watson Group , Ruperts esteemed boss , and more importantly my daughter Doriss boyfriend .
* Youre truly blessed to have a future son in law like Mr.
Watson , Jimmy , Andre Robinson , Claudias father , said with admiration .
Now I feel even more assured about Claudia marrying Rupert So , Jimmy , chimed in Maisie Robinson , Claudias mother , when are Doris and Mr.
Watson tying the knot ? In Maisies mind , this connection made their families even closer .

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She thought , If the Reed family and Watson family become in laws , and were tied to the Reeds , that makes us practically family with the Watsons too .
Who in Hampstone would dare look down on Claudia then ? Jimmy beamed , his face alight with pride , Soon .
And rest assured , well host a grand celebration youll all be invited to the wedding .
His words ignited a spark of fury in Doris .
She shot to her feet , her tone as cold as the arctic winds .
Ryan and I broke up a long time ago .
There will never be a wedding between us .
Her declaration was like a punch in the guts to everyone present .
The lively , cheerful atmosphere froze instantly .
Ryans smile vanished , his sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an intensity that could cut glass .
… is the You … Jimmys face darkened as he glared at Doris , the disruption clearly fueling his anger .
Tve made it clear Ryan is only one I will ever acknowledge as your future husband .
Anyone else will never receive my blessing .
Peyton clung to Doriss hand , her expression twisted with worry .
Doris , dont say such hurtful things .
We all know how good Ryans been to you .
Dont be so ungrateful .
Rupert , ever eager to back Ryan , scoffed , Doris , whats wrong with you ? Mr.
Watson is practically perfect .
And you wanna break up with him ? You mustve lost your mind .
1/4 Chapter 18 Laura , who had no idea of the full story , tried to mediate , Doris , is there some misunderstanding between you and Mr Warson ! Dont keep bringing up breaking up .
Ill be bad for your relationship Maisir , ever the opportunist , stepped forward to smooth things over , though her words carried a sharp edge .
Doris , Im going to say something you might not like .
Youre just an ordinary girl , with nothing to your name but a pretty face .
Mr.
Watson is young , handsome , rich , and utterly devoted to you .
Do you really think someone like him hasnt seen his for share of beautiful women ? Youre lucky that he chose you .
Its like winning the lottery .
There are countless women out there whod do anything to have a boyfriend like him .
Dont be rash and throw away what youve got , or youll end up as a laughingstock .
In truth .
Maisie envied Doris for having someone like Ryan as her boyfriend .
Deep down , she wished it were her daughter .
Claudia , standing beside him .
However , for the sake of Claudias future in the Reed family , Maisie knew that maintaining the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family was crucial .
Otherwise , she wouldnt have bothered trying to play peacemaker .
Doris , came the voice of Molly , who heaved a heavy sigh , her lined face etched with disappointment .
Tm eighty years old , and I know how to judge people .
Youre lucky to be with Mr.
Watson , girl .
How could you be so blind ? To the rest of the Robinson family , Ryan was nothing short of the perfect boyfriend .
They couldnt fathom why Doris would even consider breaking up with him .
They thought she mustve been out of her mind to give him up .
Some laughed at her , others simply watched the drama unfold , while a few even had the audacity to stand up and openly take sides .
Ava strode confidently toward Doris , her words sharp and bold .
Doris , if you really want to break up with Mr.
Watson , then dont mind if I step in .
She cast a coy glance at Ryan , her gaze lingering on him , dripping with barely veiled infatuation .
Were with Ava , chimed her parents , Billy and Ruth , whose envy of Doris was plain as day .
Jimmys face flushed with urgency .
Billy , Ruth , let me make one thing clear Ryan is Doriss boyfriend and no one else Ryan , witnessing the room unanimously siding with him , let his smug smile return .
His handsome face radiated confidence as if the outcome was already a foregone conclusion .
But Doris was far from impressed .
She turned her gaze on Ava , her lips curling into a serene smile .
Be my guest .
It doesnt matter to me because Im already married .
Ryans refined , self assured smile vanished in an instant .
Shock rippled across his striking features , and for a fleeting moment , vulnerability flickered in his eyes .
Impossible .
Doris , youre only saying this to provoke me .
I wont fall for your tricks .
Doris met his disbelief with a calm , unyielding gaze , though puzzled by his overconfidence .
Im not that childish , Ryan .
Youre not worth the effort .
Ryans voice turned sharp , his composure cracking further .
Then bring this so called husband of yours here .
Let me see him .
Doris had had enough .
Her patience snapped , and her tone grew icy .
Ryan , Ill make sure you give up on this .
Let me put an end to your delusions once and for all .
Im going to make a call .
Without another glance at him , she strode out of the private room , her chest heaving as she struggled to calm herself .
Taking a deep breath , she pulled out her phone and called Lewis .
Each second that passed felt like an eternity as her heart raced .
2/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 18 Finally , a familiar , deep voice resonated through the receiver , udh and me he do j magun do your from the d She chuched the phone tightly , her heart pounding as if it were trying to break free from her come to the Hampstone Hotel to meet my parents ? They dont believe Em mened , and they wagen word me boyfriend here .
her , The weight of the simation pressed heavily on far , and all the could do was hope that Lemmen wundertone her if he did , the humiliation waiting for her would be unbearable .
There was silence on the other end.
Lewis didnt say a word , and the vullness made broncs perons they began uy into her voice as she hurried to explain .
I know I shouldve talked to you about this fire , and is my f But this came out of nowhere , and I had no other choice .
Its lunchtime anyway , an itellyt tationes fut there a and talk to them .
You can head back to work right after .
It wont disrupt your day .
Lewis finally broke the silence , his tone cool and edged with reproach as he hated it when someone worked his plate Doris , youre right .
You shouldve talked to me about this .
And more importantly , your mess wont mine to dean p His words hit like shards of ice , cutting through her fragile composure .
Doris bit back the sting rising in her chest and blinked away the dampness threatening her eyes , Im sorry that I disturbed you , she fnurmured , her voice tight with suppressed emotion .
I should se been more considerate .
Youre absolutely right .
Its my mess , and I shouldnt have dragged you into it When Doris stepped back into the private room , all eyes turned to her , and Ryan , perched confidently at the table wasted no time .
So ? he asked , his voice dripping with smugness Couldnt find anyone to back up your little The room seemed to close in around Doris , the air heavy with judgment .
Her chest was tightening up , making it hard to breathe .
She forced herself to stay calm , meeting Ryans piercing gaze with as much poise as she could muster .
Hes busy she said evenly .
Of course , if youre in a rusli .
I can introduce him another time Ryans grin widened , his laughter filling the room .
Doris , keep spinning your lie .
Im all ears , he scoffed .
She bit her lip hard enough to sting , unwilling to dignify his mockery with a response Rupert , seated nearby , leaned back with a sneer .
His tone oozed derision as he piled on Dorn , are you sure youre not involved with some con artist ? The kind who scams women for money and sex His gaze was cruel , his words sharper than knives .
You know as well as I do theres no one out there better for you than Mr.
Watson .
Youre so ungrateful .
Honestly , you deserve this getting swindled like a foul Jimmy jumped in with a similar sneer .
Ruperts right .
Youve been duped .
Doris Face it .
If this guy were the real deal , why isnt he here ? Peytons voice carried a note of pity , though it only made her words sting all the more Doris , its not too late .
Apologize to Mr.
Watson , and Im sure hell forgive you Maisie chimed in , her expression almost maternal , though her words betrayed her true intent , Doris , lets be honest .
Who could possibly compare to Mr.
Watson ? Marrying him is your best and only option .
Stop clinging to these delusions and face reality Each word from the group was like a needle , pricking her skin , one after another , until it became an unbearable cacophony of scorn and pity And then , the door suddenly swung open with a force that silenced everyone .
A deep, authoritative voice called out .
Dom 3/1