Chapter 9 Doris hadnt noticed that Lewiss expression had darkened further , a storm cloud settling over his face .
She continued , oblivious to his growing displeasure .
Its great to be rich , isnt it ? Luxury cars at their beck and call , complete with chauffeurs and bodyguards .
Meanwhile , people like me are up at the crack of dawn , dragging ourselves half asleep onto crammed subways and buses .
Being broke is just miserable .
You tell me , how is life so unfair ? Her words grated on Lewiss nerves .
They struck a chord he didnt want to acknowledge .
You want to be rich ? he asked , his voice turning frostier , carrying an edge she couldnt miss .
Doris took a sip of water , as if to wash away the bitterness of her reality .
Who doesnt ? If I had money , I wouldnt have to do this soul crushing eight to six grind every day .
Working myself to the bone for scraps ? No , thank you .
With money , half my problems would disappear In her mind , wealth meant freedom a cozy apartment she could call her own , a sanctuary where she could finally breathe .
That was why she worked so hard , saving every penny , determined to make her dream a reality .
But to Lewis , her words painted a different picture entirely .
Is she just looking for an easy way out ? A shortcut to success ? he thought , his disdain settling deeper .
I cant stand people who are greedy and lazy .
Though his face betrayed nothing , his internal judgment was harsh .
Well , he said coolly , maybe you Hartman family heir instead of me .
That would make you rich and solve all your problems in an instant .
The comment blindsided Doris , and she choked on her water , coughing uncontrollably .
I marry t Her eyes darted to Lewis , guilt flickering in her gaze .
She had , after all , once boasted to Lola about wanting to marry the Hartman family heir .
How could he hit so close to the mark ? she wondered .
Snapping back to reality , she quickly explained , The Hartman family heir ? Thats a pipe dream .
Im just an ordinary person , and hes way out of my league .
Id never delude myself with something so unrealistic .
Glad to see youre at least self aware , Lewis said sharply , his piercing gaze sweeping over her .
Most troubles come from greed and unchecked desires .
Doris blinked in confusion , his words throwing her off balance .
Is he saying Im greedy ? That I want too much ? she wondered .
Then she tilted her head and asked , Mr.
Hartman , Im curious .
What kind of woman do you think would be lucky enough to marry someone like the heir of the Hartman family ? Lewiss reply was as cold as steel .
Definitely not someone like you .
His words cut deeper than she expected .
Whats that supposed to mean ? What do you mean , someone like me ? she shot back , indignant .
Youre not his type , Lewis answered matter of factly , as if it were the most obvious truth in the world .
And how would you know that ? Doris pressed , suspicious .
Because I just know , Lewis thought , though he didnt voice it aloud .
Undeterred , she pushed on .
Youre not the Hartman family heir , and hes never even met me .
How would he know what type I am ? Whos to say he wouldnt fall head over heels for me at first sight ? Lewis rose abruptly , his face growing colder by the second .
His tone was clipped and dismissive .
Go to bed .
Dream all you want .
13:04 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 9 The underlying message was crystal clear .
He smirked inwardly .
Stop daydreaming .
Theres no way someone like me would As he walked away , leaving her stunned and confused , Doris stared after him , trying to piece together what had just happened .
She pondered .
Moments ago , everything was fine .
So why did Lewis suddenly turn so cold ? The next morning .
Doris woke up early , deciding to treat herself to a homemade breakfast .
While the hotel offered complimentary staff meals , shed grown weary of the monotony .
Today , she planned to whip up some quesadillas a recipe that had tantalized her taste buds the previous night while scrolling through Tik Tok .
Meanwhile , Lewis maintained his unyielding routine , returning from his morning run drenched in sweat , exuding an aura of raw masculinity .
Every move he made seemed calculated to mesmerize .
He was a walking enigma , radiating a kind of magnetic pull that Doris found impossible to ignore .
After his shower , he emerged in a crisp white shirt that clung perfectly to his athletic frame , hinting at the well defined muscles beneath .
Draped casually over his strong arm was a black suit jacket , its elegance a striking contrast to his powerful presence .
Doris stole a glance at him , unable to stop her thoughts .
Hes just a regular guy , isnt he ? So why does he look like he walked straight out of a luxury magazine ? Elegant and refined , yet so unattainable , she mused .
Lewis placed his jacket on the sofa with effortless grace before pulling out a chair and sitting down .
Whats that ? he asked , his sharp sense of smell catching the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen .
Quesadillas , Doris replied with a cheerful smile .
Theyre delicious .
Want to try some , Mr.
Hartman ? No , thank you .
His tone was polite but firm .
Lewis had a strict aversion to high carb foods , and this was no exception .
Doris , undeterred , picked up her fork , taking a generous bite .
Her eyes fluttered shut as a blissful expression spread across her face , the kind of joy that could only come from truly savoring food .
She looked as if shed stumbled upon the greatest culinary treasure .
Unlike the high society women Lewis was accustomed to , Doris didnt obsess over decorum or appearances .
There was a refreshing honesty in the way she ate , unbothered by pretense .
Even something as simple as quesadillas seemed to bring her genuine happiness .
Is it really that good ! Lewis asked , his skepticism evident .
Of course .
The cheese and spices are balanced perfectly .
The texture is divine , Doris insisted , practically glowing with enthusiasm .
You should really give it a try .
Reluctantly , Lewis sighed , Fine , Ill try a little .
Theres some left in the kitchen .
Ill get you a plate , Doris chirped , rising to fetch him a portion Watching her walk away , Lewis called after her .
Just a small piece is fine .
Moments later , Doris returned , placing a modest serving of quesadillas in front of him .
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she urged him silently to take a bite .
Lewis hesitated , picking up his fork with all the enthusiasm of a man facing a monumental challenge .
Why did I agree to this ? If I dont eat now , itll seem like Im te her effort .
Its just one bite .
How bad can it be ? he thought .
Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 9 After a brief internal pep talk , he speared a small piece and cautiously brought it to his mouth .
87 % 1 He chewed slowly , his initial frown softening as the flavors unfolded .
The rich , melty cheese combined with perfectly spiced.
seasoning in a way that awakened his palate .
It was unlike anything hed ever tasted .
Well ? Doris asked , her voice brimming with expectation .
Its good , right ? Its ….
a … acceptable , Lewis replied , attempting to downplay the fact that he was genuinely impressed .
Doris beamed , her smile brighter than the morning sun , and returned to enjoying her meal with unabashed delight .
By the time Lewis noticed , the small plate in front of him was completely empty .
After breakfast , Lewis pulled out his sleek leather wallet , extracted a black card , and placed it on the table in front of Doris .
The card gleamed faintly under the morning light , its simplicity exuding quiet luxury .
Whats this supposed to mean ? Doris asked , her brows furrowing in confusion as she glanced between the card and Lewis .
Lewis explained , his tone calm yet matter of fact , Since were living together now , Ill transfer money into this card every month for household expenses .
If its not enough , let me know , and Ill adjust .
Anything extra you need for the house , Ill cover separately .
The PIN is six nines .
His explanation carried a sense of responsibility that momentarily stunned Doris .
There was no arrogance , no strings attached just an unspoken belief that providing was his duty as a married man .
So , hes the type of man who takes responsibility seriously , Doris thought , a hint of unexpected admiration creeping her heart .
into I originally said we wouldnt have to live together after marriage , yet here I am intruding in your space , she murmured with a self deprecating smile , surprised by the sudden change of plans .
Youve already been kind enough not to laugh at me .
And now youre offering me money … She hesitated , then continued , I was planning to rent a place before all of this , but since Im staying here now , consider household expenses as my rent .
You really dont need to give me extra money .
any Lewis arched a brow , his voice taking on a sharp edge of authority .

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Have you ever heard of a wife paying her husband rent ? Her checks flushed at the implication .
But were not a real couple , she countered quickly , feeling that they were more like roommates .
Lewis leaned forward , bracing both hands on the edge of the table , his gaze narrowing with a teasing glint .
His lips curled into a sly smirk Thinking of making it real , are you ? His gaze was sharp , filled with unspoken meaning , and his thoughts echoed , What a clever little ploy Doris felt her face heat like wildfire .
Her checks turned a deep crimson , reminiscent of blooming roses under the summer .
sun , both dazzling and unmissable .
She instinctively took a step back , waving her hands frantically in denial .
N no .
You misunderstood , she stammered , her voice rising an octave .
Lewis straightened , the smirk never leaving his face .
If you dont want me to misunderstand , then take the card .
He took his tailored suit jacket from the sofa and shrugged it on with an air of finality .
Left with no other choice , Doris reluctantly took the card .
Fine .
Ill take it , she said .
Her movements were deliberate , as if to prove that accepting the card meant nothing more than practicality .
This should at least show him I have no ulterior motives , she thought Lewis nodded , his voice turning businesslike .
Im usually swamped with work .
You might have to take on more 13:04 Wed , 26 Feb A Chapter 9 responsibilities around the house .
I wont have much time to help , but I can make up for it financially His tone was so pragmatic it left no room for argument .
Doris could see the truth in his words .
Unknown to her , Lewis had only recently returned to the country to take up his new position .
Now , as someone in such at high ranking role , he was quite busy and his work understandably occupied much of his time .
Alright , she agreed with a firm nod .
Inwardly , she mused , A home requires effort from both sides , not endless giving from one while the other only takes .
If he provides financially , Ill make sure the home is well taken care of .
I believe we can make this work at the very least , itll be far easier than living under my parents rool .
Later , on her way to work , Doris caught sight of the same Rolls Royce passing by the subway station .
The glossy black finish reflected the sunlight like a mirror , exuding understated opulence .
That car costs more than Ill ever make in a lifetime , she thought , a bitter smile tugging at her lips .
Better stick to the grind and focus on earning my own living .
In the afternoon , as Doris finally found a moment to breathe at work , her phone buzzed with an incoming call from her mother .
Doris answered it with a mix of surprise and unease .
Doris , Im at the entrance of your hotel .
Peytons voice came through , tinged with urgency .
Do you have time to come out and talk ? AD