Chapter 4 88 % Doris took advantage of her day off to wander around town .
She wanted to buy a few things to comfort her parents , who were still lamenting the loss of their perfect son in law , Ryan Besides , she was moving out of their home soon .
She saw this as her last gesture of kindness before she left .
After grabbing a quick dinner on her own , she didnt make it back until almost eight in the evening .
As soon as she walked through the door , Doris handed a beautifully wrapped dress to her mother , Peyton .
Try it on , Doris urged gently .
Peytons eyes lit up as she unfolded the dress , her delight unmistakable .
Its beautiful .
This mustve cost a fortune .
Mom , as long as you like it , the price doesnt matter .
Doris said , coaxing her mother with a warm smile .
Just then , her father , Jimmy , returned from his evening walk .
The moment he spotted Doris , his expression darkened .
Peyton , oblivious to the tension , picked up a box of brand new leather shoes from the sofa and showed them to Jimmy .
Jimmy , look .
Doris got me this lovely dress and it cost her more than 700 dollars .
And she bought these shoes for you .
They were over 1400 dollars Jimmy sank into the sofa , placing his water cup down with an audible thud .
His gaze bore into Doris .
You bought these ? Doris nodded .
Yes .
I just got paid , and I noticed youve been wearing the same pair of leather shoes for years , so I thought Before she could finish , Jimmy snatched the shoes from Peytons hands and flung them onto the floor .
Whats the point of all this ? Do you think this is what I want ? What I want is for you to marry Mr.

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Watson .
Well , you can keep dreaming Doris bit her lip hard , her eyes glistening with unshed tears .
Without waiting for another word , she spun on her heels and retreated to her room , slamming the door behind her .
Jimmys angry ranting was muffled by the walls , but his frustration was clear .
Peyton crouched to pick up the scattered shoes , brushing off the scuffed leather with care .
Why are you so angry ? At least Doris meant well Jimmys frown deepened , his voice thick with disdain .
Are you seriously comparing a pair of shoes and a dress to Mr.
Warson ? Do you even remember how our son managed to buy his place ! Where do you think that money came from ? I … Peyton faltered , her face clouded with worry .
Tll try talking to Doris again .
Maybe I can convince her to make up with Mr.
Watson .
The next morning , Doris left for work earlier than usual .
For the past five years , she had worked in the Food and Beverage Department at the five star Hampstone Hotel .
It was at this very hotel that her ex boyfriend , Ryan , had hosted his engagement party with Leia Martin , the heiress of a family long tied to Ryans own .
That night had turned Doris into the butt of countless jokes among the staff .
But no matter what had happened , Doris knew one thing for sure losing a boyfriend was one thing , but losing her job wasnt an option .
Taking a deep breath , she squared her shoulders and stepped into the grand hotel lobby with her head held high .
She thought .
As long as I dont feel embarrassed , then its not me whos awkward its them 1/4 Chapter 4 Sure enough , the moment she entered , her coworkers began throwing her sneaky glances Some whispered in hushed tones , but when she caught their eye , they quickly dispersed , pretending to be busy with their tasks .
Doris ignored them , maintaining her usual calm demeanor .
She greeted those she passed with her professional , practiced smile , as though nothing in the world could rattle her In the employer locker room , she changed into her uniform , smoothing out the crisp fabric with care before heading to her station .
Once there , she threw herself into her work , meticulously crafting an array of exgamite pastries .
At eleven sharp , Lola carved out a moment from her packed schedule to visit Doris .
Lola and Doris werent just colleagues they were best friends who shared everything Lola , though born into privilege .
rarely talked about her wealthy family .
Instead , she carved her own path .
After majoring in hotel management at university , Lola joined Hampstone Hotel .
It was partly out of passion and partly because she was determined not to rely on her familys fortune With her exceptional skills and sharp instincts , she had climbed the ladder quickly , becoming the front desk manager at a remarkably young age Lola was a striking beauty .
Her sharp , vivid features and alluring figure were impossible to ignore Admirers flocked to her in droves , and they all seemed to have fat wallets ..
But Lola wasnt the type to be swept off her feet by money .
For her , attraction was about chemistry and a handsome face never hurt I skipped breakfast this morning .
Now Im starving .
Lola murmured , popping a delicate butter cookie into her mouth .
Ill bring you breakfast from now on .
Doris offered earnestly , her tone warm and sincere .
Theres no need .
Lola replied lightly , but her sharp eyes didnt miss the dark circles shadowing Doriss eyes .
A flicker of concern crossed Lolas face as she was worried Doris was still upset about the breakup .
Did you not sleep well last night = Tm fine , Doris said , brushing off the question a little too quickly .
Then , as if to stop further probing , she added .
It has nothing to do with him .
But Lola wasnt so easily deterred .
The mention of him brought the Watson familys appalling behavior to the forefront of her mind .
A storm cloud of anger passed over Lolas radiant face .
I still cant believe Ryan turned out to be such trash .
The way he courted you back then so over the top and now hes engaged to someone else ? And he had the audacity to do it in our hotel , making you the subject of gossip .
If Id been there , I swear I wouldve knocked him into next week .
Honestly , it makes my blood boil Doris couldnt help but laugh softly at the sight of Lola swinging her fists at imaginary targets .
Youre laughing ? After everything hes done to you ? Lola stared at her incredulously , before reaching out to press her palm against Doriss forehead .
Youre not feverish , are you ? Because this reaction isnt normal.
Smiling faintly , Doris carefully placed a plump red cherry on top of a small , perfectly square cake .
I was heartbroken at first , of course .
But if I think about it , Im grateful .
At least I saw his true colors before it was too late .
I cut my losses , and thats that .
He doesnt deserve my tears .
Ill live my life , focus on my work , and without him ? Ill thrive .
Admiration glimmered in Lolas eyes , and she burst into applause .
Bravo .
Thats the spirit .
Lets crush it in our careers and let the losers rot where they belong As if the universe couldnt resist proving a point , Doriss phone buzzed at that exact moment .
The caller ID displayed a 2/4 13:03 Wed , 26 Feli Chapter 1 name that made Lolas lips cund in disgust .
It was Ryan .
Lola groaned in disgust as she said , Oh , youve got to be kidding me .
How does he even have the nerve to call you ? This hesitated , her hand hovering over the screen for a few seconds before she answered .
Her tone was cool and detached .
Mr.
Watson , were done .
Theres no reason for you to contact me anymore .
Please dont call me again Without wanting for a reply , she ended the call and promptly blocked his number .
Lada beamed with approval , giving her a prond thumbs up .
But Ryan wasnt finished .
Moments later , a WhatsApp notification appeared .
Doris opened the voice message , and the smug .
overly composed tone in his voice was unmistakable .
Doris , lets have lunch .
You can pick the place Maximilien Restaurant or Hampstone Hotel .
Its up to you .
Ill follow your lead .
Lolas face twisted in a mix of disbelief and revulsion .
Ugh .
Could he be any slimier ? Hes acting like hes respecting your wishes , but its just thinly veiled manipulation .
What a textbook dirtbag .
Doris , tell me youre not actually considering meeting him Doris carried out a tray of freshly baked tarts , the golden crusts glistening with a buttery sheen .
Her voice was steady as said , Im going .
Yesterdays incident has already caused enough trouble .
Personal matters should be handled privately .
1 wont let them affect my work .
she Ill go with you , Lola declared without hesitation , her tone firm .
She wasnt about to let Doris face Ryan alone , knowing how manipulative he could be Using their brief lunch break , the two crossed the street to the Maximilien Restaurant , a chic establishment known for its understated elegance and impeccable service .
Lola chose to wait in the outdoor seating area , her sharp eyes scanning every passerby like a hawk guarding its nest .
Meanwhile , Doris stepped inside , her expression cool and unreadable .
Ryan was already seated at a polished corner table , placing his order .
He looked up from the menu as Doris approached , his lips curving into a smile that was maddeningly calm , as though nothing had happened .
Sit , he said , gesturing with a casual flick of his hand .
I ordered your favorites chicken parmesan and shrimp scampi Doris slid into the plush leather booth across from him , her movements deliberate , her posture straight as a board .
She didnt spare him so much as a glance .
Say what you need to say , she said curtly , her voice clipped and to the point .
Ryan , unfazed by her frosty demeanor , picked up his lemonade and took a measured sip .
A faint crease appeared between his brows as if he were gathering his thoughts My family has a business project with the Martin family , he began .
Originally , it was supposed to be my big brother , Jake .
who got engaged to her .
But you know Jake hes been in a coma for six months now because of the car accident He paused , letting out a weary sigh .
My parents insisted shes the ideal choice .
My mom threatened me and said shed end her life if I didnt go through with the engagement .
I didnt have a choice , Doris .
Im just as much a victim in this as you are .
The person I love is still you .
His voice carried a practiced sincerity , and his eyes those warm , soulful eyes that once made her heart skip a beat seemed to plead with her .
For a fleeting moment , it felt like the Ryan she had loved was sitting across from her , unchanged and full of promise .
But Doris had been burned too deeply by his betrayal to fall for the same old tricks .
A faint smile curved her lips , but it wasnt one of fondness .
It was cold , laced with disdain .
Mr.
Watson , she said , each syllable biting .
your love is worthless to me ? 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb EEE Chapter 4 Ryan leaned forward , his tone softening as if coaxing her back to the days when their love was untarnished .
He explained , Doris , I know words wont mean much to you now .
But you have to believe me .
I never stopped caring about you .
Weve been together for three years .
Can you really just walk away from that ? Please , hear me out .
Once Jake wakes up , or once this project is over , Ill end the engagement .
Ill come back to you .
Well get married , Doris .
Well build a beautiful life together a family , two adorable kids , the works .
All Im asking for is a little time .
Just wait for me .
Please