13:02 Wed , 26 Feb FRA · Chapter 2 Chapter 2 At precisely 7 a.m.
, Doris was jolted awake by the sharp blare of her alarm clock still grozzy , she forced herself out of bed , washed up quickly , and began getting ready for the day Timing it perfectly to avoid her father , Jimmy Reed , Doris approached her mother , Peyton Reed , with a feigned casualness .
Mom , can I borrow my birth certificate for a bit ? I need to make a copy for some paperwork In truth .
Doris wasnt entirely sure if Lewis would show up at the city hall as promised , but she was willing to take the gamble .
Peyton handed over the certificate without much thought , her tone carrying a teasing lilt .
If youre using this to get married to Mr.
Watson , your father would be over the moon Mom , can you not bring him up ? Doriss voice turned sharp , irritation flashing across her face.
She hated how her parents constantly brought up Ryan , as if he were the pinnacle of perfection rather than the cheat he had proven to be Grabbing her things , she muttered , Im heading to work .
And then the left before Peyton could respond .
Not long after she stepped outside , Doriss phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number .
She hesitated but picked it up .
Hello , is this Doris Reed ? An elderly womans voice came through , warm and gentle .
Yes , this is Doris .
Whos speaking ? Doris asked , puzzled .
Im Margaret Hartman , the lady you helped bring to the hospital yesterday , the voice explained kindly .
I got your number from the nurse .
You left your number with the nurse when you registered me .
I hope you dont mind .
Doris blinked in recognition .
So thats who it is , she thought The memory came rushing back yesterday , before meeting her friend Lola for a shopping trip , shed come across Margaret , who had fainted in the street .
Without hesitation , Doris had called an ambulance and stayed by Margarets side until she was safely admitted to the hospital .
What can I do for you ? Doris asked .
The doctor mentioned that you paid for my medical bills yesterday , Margaret said , her tone tinged with gratitude .
Would you mind coming by the hospital ? Id like to reimburse you .
Doris hesitated for only a moment before agreeing .
Sure , I can do that .

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After all , the money was rightfully hers , and she wasnt one to play coy about something so practical .
It was a convenient detour Hampstone General Hospital was right next to the city hall in Cornton Heights , where she was headed anyway .
On her way , Doris stopped at a small shop and picked up a cheerful gift basket filled with fruits and snacks .
When she arrived at Margarets hospital room , she walked in with a warm smile .
Good morning , maam .
How are you feeling today ? Margaret , who had just finished breakfast , lit up at the sight of her .
Her lined face softened with a deep smile .
Youre here .
I hope Im not keeping you from anything important .
Not at all , Doris replied , setting the gift basket down on a nearby table .
You didnt need to bring me a gift , Margaret said , touched but slightly flustered .
I dont even know how to thank you .
enough She gestured for Doris to come closer .
Come , sit with me .
Doris settled into the chair beside the bed , her demeanor relaxed .
Theres no need to thank me .
Im just glad youre doing well 1/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 2 88 % Margarets gaze lingered on her , as though taking in every detail .
Her smile deepened , and the lines on her face crinkled in pleasant folds .
What a lovely , kind hearted young woman you are .
Your boyfriend must be a very lucky man .
Doris gave her a polite , faint smile .
I dont have a boyfriend .
Margarets eyes widened in surprise , and then delight .
You dont ? Well , thats just wonderful .
She clapped her hands lightly on the blanket , her excitement infectious .
Doris tilted her head slightly , confusion flickering across her face .
Realizing she might have come on too strong .
Margaret covered her mouth with a sheepish laugh .
What I mean is , I happen to know someone who would be perfect for you .
Would you like to meet him ? Doriss brow twitched slightly .
So this is about setting me up on a blind date ? she thought , feeling a mix of surprise and amusement .
Margaret , theres no need , Doris said quickly , waving her hands in polite refusal .
I actually have plans to meet someone at the city hall today to get married … The words had barely left her lips when a tall , striking figure entered the room .
The pristine white of his shirt enhanced his chiseled features , giving him an almost regal allure .
It was Lewis the very person she was supposed to meet at the city hall for their marriage license .
Their eyes locked across the room , separated only by the hospital bed .
Doriss wide , startled gaze betrayed her shock .
She hadnt expected to see him here of all places , and the suddenness of it made her feel like shed just been caught in the act of some social catastrophe .
Heat rushed to her cheeks as embarrassment prickled her skin .
She felt like if there were ever a moment to be swallowed by the earth , this was it .
Lewis , too , seemed taken aback , a flicker of surprise passing through his deep , enchanting eyes before his expression settled .
into calm indifference , like a placid lake concealing hidden depths .
Margaret , however , seemed unaware of the tension crackling in the room .
Instead , Doriss earlier words about getting married left a faint trace of disappointment in her warm smile .
Lewis , Margaret said , her voice soft with affection as she looked at him .
This young lady , Doris Reed , is the one who helped me yesterday .
Doris , this is my grandson , Lewis Hartman .
Lewiss lips curved slightly, the barest hint of amusement flickering in his otherwise composed demeanor .
Mr.
Hartman , nice to meet you .
Doris managed a polite smile , though inside , her nerves felt like a violin string stretched too tight .
She hoped hed play along and not make things worse .
Ms.
Reed , a pleasure , Lewis replied smoothly , his tone carrying an undercurrent of subtle playfulness .
His gaze lingered , as though testing her resolve .
If she doesnt want me to acknowledge her , Ill oblige her little act , he thought .
Doris quickly stood up , eager to escape the unbearable awkwardness .
Margaret , I have something else to attend to .
Ill be heading out now , Oh , okay … Margaret sighed , clearly reluctant to let her go .
There was something about Doris that struck a chord with her , and she couldnt help wishing shed gotten to know Doris sooner .
Turning to her grandson , Margaret added , Lewis , see Doris out for me , would you ? And make sure to thank her properly Of course , Grandma .
Lewiss tone softened as he reassured her .
You rest up .
Ill be back shortly .
He walked Doris to the door , holding it open before following her into the corridor .
The sound of the door clicking shut 2/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 2 behind them punctuated the silence .
Ms.
Reed .
Lewis called after her , his voice composed but commanding .
A moment , plicane Doris stopped mid stride , her hand tightening on her purse .
Turning slowly , she asked .
Me Harman after something in Thank you for saving my grandmother .
he said , closing the distance between them in two long strides .
His sowering frame made her feel both cornered and oddly protected at once No worries Doris murmured and shook her head , her gaze fixed firmly on the floor .
She didnt dare meer teves knowing they would only make her feel even more exposed .
Well then be on my way 11 Ms.
Reed , Lewis said casually , as though commenting on the weather .
Werent you beaded to the cry tall so permet Coincidentally , so am 1.
Shall we go together ? Without waiting for her reply , he stared walking ahead Doriss long lashes fluttered in astonishment .
Did he really just bring up last nights conversation he still remember that she thought , utterly caught off guard By the time they arrived at the city hall in Cornton Heights , the clock struck 6:50 am .
The morning air was rig but Dors could feel her nerves tightening with every step they took Just before entering , Lewis turned to her .
His expression was unreadable , but this voice held a note oferi Ms Feed you still have time to reconsider .
Her clear, determined eyes met his as she replied firmly .
Mr.
Hartman , theres nothing to retouder Lets per mart be Lewiss gaze lingered on her face for a moment , his expression unreadable .
Then , with a slight dip of his head he said .
Alright .
A flicker of joy lit up Doriss eyes as she heard his answer .
You agreed ? she asked a hint of digging to her voice After all , Lewis said smoothly , his tone almost nonchalant , no one likes being called a coward Doris froze , momentarily speechless .
Uh did he really need to remember such a random det ? she thought , unable decide whether to laugh or groan Lewiss lips curled into a faint , detached smile as he remarked , Ms.
Reed , Im only marrying you for my grandmothers sake .
Dont get any unrealistic ideas about what this arrangement means .
If you do the only one wholl en bun as you Mr.
Hartman , rest assured .
Doris replied earnestly , her clear eyes steady with conviction .
After were tamed I wont Interfere with your life .
If you meet someone you genuinely care about , we can divorce anytime Her tone was resolute , as if she were swearing an oath .
Deep down , she knew this was the most impulsive , reckless decisice she had ever made in her twenty six years of life .
Lewis studied her for a moment , his sharp eyes searching her determined face for any sign of hesitation .
Then with a cart nod , he pulled out his phone and dialed a number .
Not long after , a polished , impeccably dressed man entered the room .
exuding an air of quiet authority .
Ms.
Reed , good morning .
Im Ivan Mitchell , Mr.
Hartmans attorney , Ivan spoke with calm professionalism as he withdrew a thick folder from his sleek black briefcase .
This is your prenuptial agreement .
Please take your time to review carefully Lewis , ever pragmatic , added coolly , Words alone mean nothing .
Once youve signed this agreement , we proceed marriage paperwork Doris accepted the brown folder , her fingers brushing over the smooth , unyielding surface of the leather .
Her heart tensed as she removed the contents , the bold heading Prenuptial Agreement immediately catching her eye .
Chapor 2 She unfolded the pages her gaze mowing between the parties shall me panty dia diy din the the only by else 1 The marriage line tin the date of good may be dissolved at very time within one year at wither and any ne Clause 2.
Upon divorce , the female panty shall conditionally leave the marriage with financial claim to the trade partys Similarly , the male party hall make no claim to the female partys assets .
Clauer & Post divorce , the male party will assess and may provide financial or mater competion to the female party .
depending on circumstances Both parties agree to adhere to and uphold the terms outlined in this agreement Lewis knew this agreement was nothing short of an ironclad , one sided treaty that safeguarded his interests while leaving her completely vulnerable Lewis , meanwhile , watched her intently , his piercing gaze never leaving her face .
He wait have enough to think she would have no objections .
After all , this agreement was crafted with meticulous precision to protect him