Chapter 19 Chapter 19 Lewiss calm , crisp voice suddenly echoed in Doriss cars , sharp and undeniable .
Everyone in the room turned toward the doorway , their expressions shifting from disdain to astonishment .
There stood Lewis , tall and commanding , exuding an air of aristocratic elegance that was impossible to ignore .
His striking features seemed carved from marble , each detail flawless under the glow of the rooms crystal chandeliers .
Doris blinked , almost convinced her mind was playing tricks on her .
But it was really him .
The shock of his unexpected arrival sent a ripple of joy coursing through her veins , warming her from the inside out .
Lewiss gaze landed on her , steady and unreadable .
Before she could stop herself , she dashed toward him , her excitement spilling over like sunlight breaking through a storm .
She smiled , her voice brimming with delight .
Youre here .
Yeah He gave a curt nod , his acknowledgment both subtle and reassuring .
Doris leaned closer , lowering her voice as she asked with a tentative smile , Can I borrow your arm for a bit ? Lewis didnt hesitate .
With a fluid motion , he bent his arm slightly , offering it to her .
Doris slid her hand into place , the gesture natural and seamless .
She needed to sell the act .

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In front of her parents and Ryan , there could be no cracks in the illusion .
Doris clung to Lewiss arm as they stepped into the private room , her head held high as if their closeness were the most natural thing in the world .
The moment they entered , the atmosphere shifted .
Lewis didnt merely walk into the room he claimed it .
His presence demanded attention , his sharp gaze and effortless poise drawing every eye to him .
If Ryan was charming , Lewis was breathtaking .
Lewis wore his usual crisp white shirt , tailored to perfection , accentuating the disciplined lines of his lean frame .
His black slacks emphasized the athletic , powerful legs beneath .
Under the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers , his chiseled features appeared even more striking , the light carving shadows across his flawless bone structure .
His deep set eyes , enigmatic and piercing , carried a quiet intensity that seemed to strip away pretense .
Even Ryan , with his privileged upbringing and polished demeanor , couldnt compare .
The crack in Ryans confident facade was almost audible ; his expression faltered , disbelief etched onto his face .
Ryans thoughts raced as he took in the man before him .
He pondered , Where on earth did Doris find someone like him ? Even if I dont know who he is , I feel intimidated by him .
The others were equally stunned , and they were all convinced that a man this perfect couldnt possibly be a con artist Dad , Mom , this is my husband , Lewis Hartman .
Doriss voice broke the spell, snapping everyone back to reality .
Lewis inclined his head politely .
Nice to meet you all , everyone .
Jimmy , however , remained skeptical , his eyes narrowing as he sized up the man who now claimed to be Doriss husband .
He hadnt expected Doris to marry someone with an appearance and aura even more impressive than Ryans .
Doris says you two are married ? he asked , his tone heavy with doubt .
Yes , Lewis replied , his voice steady and unflinching .
Reaching into the pocket of his slacks , he produced a folded document .
-their marriage license .
1/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb FE FR Chapter 19 Doris took it from him with practiced ease , unfolding it before her parents and Ryan She held it up , her heart pounding bor her expression serene .
This is undeniable proof , she thought , her lips curving into a subtle , triumphant smile They eart argue with this .
Jimmys face flushed with anger , his voice rising .
I dont care what this says , I dont approve of this marriage , and I will never accept you as my son in law .
Ryan is the only one I recognize Doris met her fathers fury with an unyielding gaze .
Your approval doesnt matter , she said coolly .
The low recognizes us 24 husband and wife thats all that counts .
Ryan , meanwhile , was staring at the document , his jaw tightening as he registered the date .
His cold eyes narrowed , his face darkening as though a storm had passed over him .
His voice was sharp and accusing as he turned to Doris You broke up with me , and the very next day , you married him Were you already involved with him while we were still together ? There was a bite in his words , a self righteous indignation that suggested betrayal .
His question hung in the air like a blade , poised to strike .
It was as if hed declared her guilty of the ultimate offense , his tone laced with the sting of wounded pride .
Doris let out a cold laugh .
Ryan , not everyone is as morally bankrupt as you .
My marriage happened after our breakup- whether it was a day , an hour , or even a minute later .
The fact remains that we were done .
Youve always been so arrogant , so full of yourself .
You thought Id never find someone better than you after we split .
You expected me to stay in the same spot , pitifully waiting for your return , begging for your mercy .
In your mind , even after the breakup , I was still supposed to be your possession .
She didnt pause , her words coming sharper with each sentence .
But now that Ive married someone taller , better looking .
and so far out of your league , you cant stand it , can you ? Youve lost control of the narrative , and its eating you alive and making you mad Your so called love is nothing but selfish possessiveness .
Thats not real love .
Why would I waste my life pining after you .
degrading myself for someone like you ? 111 marry whoever I want , whenever I want .
My relationships , my marriage theyre my choice .
Every word hit Ryan like a hammer , each syllable a direct strike to his fragile ego .
Ryans eyes darted up to Lewis who looked much taller than him , his presence so effortlessly commanding it was almost infuriating .
Ryan spat , She dumped me one day and married you the next .
Dont tell me youre clueless about the fact shes using you to get back at me .
Im perfectly aware , Lewis replied , his calm , melodic tone carrying a faint note of amusement .
Its just survival of the fittest .
His words were so light yet so devastating that it left Ryan momentarily stunned .
Lewis didnt even need to try to crush him .
Ryans anger bubbled beneath the surface as he stepped closer to Lewis , the mocking edge in his voice sharpening , trying once more to sow discord .
You think she truly loves you ? Shes only using you as a tool .
Dont get too cocky Before Lewis could respond , Doris moved in front of him , her expression fierce as she countered , Ryan , let me make one thing very clear .
My husband is this handsome , and I fell for him at first sight .
I practically chased after him , refusing to marry anyone else .
Her father , Jimmy , couldnt take it anymore .
Have you no shame ? Shut your mouth , he spat , his face red with anger .
Unbothered .
Lewis gently pulled Doris back to his side , his calm demeanor unwavering as he looked at Ryan .
Mr.
Watson , no need to be so upset .
I know she dumped you , but its no reason to be so jealous .
2/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb F FA Chapter 19 Just like that , Lewis had reduced Ryan to rubble with a few words , leaving him defenseless and humiliated .
Doris suddenly found herself looking up at Lewis with admiration .
For the first time , she appreciated his sharp tongue as a genuine asset .
Her gaze , filled with admiration and something deeper , was a look Ryan had never seen directed at him .
Youre so jealous your eyes are practically glowing green , Doris said , her tone dripping with mockery as she turned her attention back to Ryan .
So , are you planning to stick around and embarrass yourself further , or will you finally leave ? With Lewis , her actual husband , standing firm beside her , Ryan had no choice but to acknowledge defeat .
Staying would only deepen his humiliation .
Ryan felt utterly crushed and humiliated by Lewis and Doris .
His expression twisted with fury and shame , his voice trembling as he spat , Doris , youre something else .
Aw , thank you for the compliment .
Doris replied with a bright smile , her sarcasm unmistakable .
Ryan scoffed , his frustration boiling over .
With one last glare , he stormed out of the room , his heavy footsteps echoing as the door slammed shut behind him .
Doris , shut your mouth ! Ill deal with you later , Jimmy roared at Doris , his frustration boiling over as he rushed to chase after Ryan .
Ryan , dont leave ! Wait a moment Ryan halted briefly , turning his head just enough to glance back , his tone icy .
Mr.
Reed , Im a busy man .
No matter how busy you are , you still need to eat before you go , Jimmy said , his voice softening into an almost pleading tone .
Youre a very important guest to me Ruperts boss , no less .
Its an honor for my family to have you here .
No one has the right to drive you out .
Ill make Doris apologize to you right away .
Hearing this , Ryans eyebrows arched slightly in amusement , his interest piqued .
What he wanted was exactly this to see Doris bow her head in humiliation , to witness how Lewis would handle the situation in front of everyone .
Determined to appease Ryan , Jimmy marched over to Doris and barked , Doris , apologize to Ryan right now .
Her fathers words made Doriss heart ache , but her stance remained firm , her voice resolute .
I didnt do anything wrong .
I will not apologize .
Her defiance was like a slap in the face to Jimmy , challenging his authority as a father and leaving him humiliated in front of the crowd , especially in front of Ryan .
When words failed him, Jimmys anger turned physical .
He raised his hand , ready to strike Doris , but Lewis intercepted him swiftly , gripping his wrist in midair .
Lewiss eyes narrowed , and he thought coldly , Violence really must run in this family .
Rupert raises his hand to his sister .
and now their father is doing the same to his daughter .
My wife isnt someone you can just lay a finger on , Lewis said , his voice low and menacing This is my daughter .
How I discipline her is none of your business .
Let go of me .
Jimmy struggled to free his arm , but Lewiss grip was unyielding Doris married me .
Shes my wife now , my responsibility .
As long as Im here , no one not even you , her father will lay a finger on her Every word Lewis uttered was sharp and commanding , his protectiveness hitting Doris straight in the heart .
Her eyes welled up with tears , and for the first time in what felt like forever , she experienced the warmth of being genuinely cherished and 3/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb FL FI Chapter it valued Lewiss steely gaze locked onto Jimmys , unflinching and razor sharp .
His chilling demeanor de Jury at the sheer made falione intensity of Lewiss presence unnerving him .
a And then there was Lewiss height towering over Jimmy , casting shadow that made the older men and unterly docuted The sheer force of Lewiss aura created an oppressive atmosphere that Jimmy coldest shake t You know Im Doriss father , and yet you dare treat me like this ? Jimmy tried to pull rank , his voice carrying a hor of desperation .
arice Lewiss lips curved into a cold , mocking unile , his expression sharp as ice .
Since you refuse to acknowledge my marriage to Doris , why should I acknowledge any relationship between us ? Jimmys own words came back to haunt him like a stone he had thrown , only to have it rebound and hit him guarely in the 1/4