Chapter 3 88 % Doris faced the harsh terms laid out in the agreement with unflinching composure , her expression as calm as still waters .
Without hesitation , she reached into her bag , pulled out a pen , and prepared to sign her name .
Lewis raised an eyebrow slightly , his mind flickering with curiosity .
Shes got nerves of steel , Ill give her that , he thought .
Still , he decided to give her one last chance to reconsider .
Ms.
Reed , if youre having any trouble understanding the terms , feel free to consult a lawyer before signing .
Take your time .
Its better to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future .
If you want to back out now , its not too late , This was his final offer of retreat a clear exit if she wanted to take it Tve read it thoroughly .
Doris replied with a nonchalant tone , her pen moving decisively as she signed her name in bold strokes .
Lewis exchanged a quick look with Ivan , the faintest flicker of surprise passing between them .
Her unwavering confidence caught Lewis off guard .
He had expected resistance , hesitation , or at least a few questions .
Instead , she signed with such casual ease that it almost made him feel petty for doubting her intentions .
Not that he would admit any guilt .
As the heir to Hartman Group , Lewis knew he couldnt afford to leave his marriage open to any risks .
This is purely precautionary , he thought to himself .
Doriss character will reveal itself in due time .
For now , Im just covering my bases .
Ms.
Reed , this agreement comes in triplicate , Ivan explained smoothly , tucking one copy into a folder before handing it to her .
You , Mr.
Hartman , and I , as the attorney , will each keep a copy .
Thank you , Mr.
Mitchell , Doris responded with a polite , practiced smile , accepting the folder .
Lewis glanced at his watch .
The sleek silver dial reflected the sunlight streaming through the windows .
I have an important meeting at ten , he announced coolly .
Lets get this over with .
Without waiting for a reply , he strode toward the city hall entrance , his legs cutting a brisk path across the marble floor .
Alright , Doris said , quickly following behind him , her heart thudding slightly faster .
She couldnt afford to let him change his mind now .
The oppressive atmosphere of her family home was something she had longed to escape .
This no matter how unorthodox -was her way out .
Ivan had arranged everything in advance .
The process was smooth and efficient , and within no time , the necessary paperwork was complete .
Doris held the official marriage license in her hands , its weight feeling both surreal and significant .
From this moment on , she was no longer Doris Reed .
She was Mrs.
Hartman .
As she stepped out of the city hall , the morning sunlight kissed her face , wrapping her in a warm , golden glow .
The air felt lighter , freer , as if shed stepped into a dream she hadnt dared to imagine .
Ivan clapped a hand on Lewiss shoulder , his voice brimming with professional cheer .
Congratulations , Mr.
Hartman , Mrs.
Hartman .

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Wishing you both a happy marriage .
Mrs.
Hartman ? Doris repeated the unfamiliar title in her mind , her chest tightening with a mix of apprehension and wonder .
Though the name felt foreign on her ears , it carried the weight of a new chapter , a journey she had no choice but to embrace .
I may not have married the heir to the legendary Hartman family of Hampstone , but here I am Mrs .
Hartman nonetheless , she pondered .
1/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb AAR .
Chapter 3 Thank you , Mr.
Mitchell , she murmured , her cheeks flushing faintly as the words left her lips .
88 % It theres nothing else , Ill take my leave now , Lewis said , his tone clipped .
Todays meeting demanded his full attention , and lingering wasnt part of the plan.
Wait Doris carefully tucked the marriage license into her bag and turned to face him , her tone formal but calm .
Mr.
Hartman , let me formally introduce myself .
Im a senior pastry chef at Hampstone Hotel .
My job is stable , and while my salary isnt high , its enough to support myself .
After were married , theres no need for us to live together .
We can go about our lives separately .
Her plan was simple .
Since theirs was a hidden marriage with no wedding or fanfare , shed tell her parents the news , then find a new place to stay probably a shared rental .
I respect your decision , Lewis replied with a curt nod .
Her proposal couldnt have been more to his liking .
Hed lived alone overseas for years , and the thought of suddenly sharing his space with someone especially a woman felt intrusive .
For Lewis , this marriage was merely a way to appease Margaret and fulfill her wish , nothing more .
Doris pulled out her phone .
Mr.
Hartman , can we exchange contact information ? Lets swap phone numbers and add each other on WhatsApp .
Itll make communication easier.
Sure .
Lewis slid one hand into his pocket with effortless grace , his posture exuding a natural charisma .
They exchanged numbers , their phones briefly glowing in the sunlight .
Lewiss side profile was flawless thick , delicate brows , a prominent nose , and a jawline so chiseled it could cast its own shadow .
The more Doris looked , the harder it was to pull her gaze away .
No wonder he warned me not to get my hopes up , she thought wryly .
Hes breathtakingly gorgeous , and I can tell women would fall for him so easily ! But Doris had no intention of joining that crowd .
Right now , all she cared about was her career building her skills , making money , and pouring her energy into her work .
Relationships werent even on her radar .
Her internal musings came to a screeching halt when Lewis glanced up and caught her staring .
His brooding , intense eyes locked onto hers , sending an unexpected jolt through her.
Flustered , Doris quickly averted her gaze .
Didnt you say you have a meeting at ten ? Its already nine thirty .
Dont be late .
Ill get going now .
Take care of yourself , Lewis said with a slight nod , tucking his phone away .
Doris gave a quick nod in return .
Got it .
She waved at him before turning on her heel and walking off .
Ivan watched her slender figure retreat into the distance , his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he shifted his attention to Lewis .
Lewis , where the hell did you find such a naive girl ? And that prenup of yours seriously , could it have been any harsher ? Spare me your sarcasm , Lewis shot back with a cold smirk .
Every agreement youve drafted is worse than this one .
If she really is that innocent , Ill compensate her .
He had already thought this through .
If Doris knows how to behave and stays in her lane , I wont let her suffer one bit , he mused .
Well , now Im intrigued , Ivan said , his lips curving into a faint , mischievous smile .
2/4 13.07 Wed 26 Fe Tewicedant , Tet cutepped com comply moving where he was craterday .
Hemned the car den fra Few with p 4 your day Marina Growy The DORDING Torg Tripient his gas ficking from fom before heredith work pred The Rolls Royce had barely traveled for the perks the cler 112 , Margarers voice rane through tinged with repeal parts worth and disepinement .
Lewis , Dons saved my life , you know ! I was hoping yourd marry her wore that girl and make her my granddaude in how But then she went and got married to someone else today Ju like that .
How did you two end up with such bad timing Lewickept silent , listening a Margaret sighed heavily , her regres polpable even over the line Whoever that rascati , snatching Doris away from me , I swear Ed roach him lesion if I could the muttered , dearly annoyed .
Lewis instinctively felt a call down los spine .
Dont worry , Grandma Ill have a wide someday ? his The doctor had been clear Margarets condition repaired her to stay as calon as possible free of emotional upheaval .
This was why Lewis had chosen not to tell her that he and Doris had , in fact , just registered their marriage .
He The planned to wait until Margarets health stabilized before breaking the news in person , in a more controlled way .
But it wont be Doris Margaret said with a note of stubbornness in her voice .
I just really like that girl Tknow , Lewis replied softly , his tone indulgent .
Margaret sighed again , her voice lightening a fraction , I should think about how to properly thank Doris , shouldnt 17 And with that , she ended the call .
Lewis lowered his phone , staring at the screen for a moment before navigating to WhatsApp .
Using her number , he added .
Doris as a contact and sent her a simple message to identify himself .
Doriss response was polite but curt , acknowledging his message with the same detached brevity .
Moments later , her phone lit up with a notification .
A transaction alert popped up , showing that Lewis had transferred her three thousand dollars via WhatsApp Pay .
She blinked in shock , her fingers tightening slightly around her phone .
What does he mean by this ? she wondered .
Before she could overthink it , another message came in from him : [ For the medical expenses you covered for my grandmother .
] Doris stared at the text , frowning slightly s had only paid 1500 dollars at the time , so she quickly typed back : [ Thats way too much .
Let me transfer the extra back to you .
] Lewiss reply was swift , almost dismissive : [ Biscuit tore your dress yesterday .
Consider the rest compensation , including the emotional damage .
No need to return it .
] Holding her phone , Doris hesitated for a moment .
Then , after a heat of deliberation , she typed : [ Thank you ] 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb 8 .