Chapter 18
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Doris bat down on her lip, swallowing the bitterness surging within her. She forced herself to act as though Ryan didn’t exist, treating him like nothing more than air.
Ryan’s gaze swept over her, seated silently at the table, her thick lashes casting soft shadows over her cheeks.
His lips curved into a smug smile, his eyes glinting with self–satisfaction. He cleared his throat and spoke with polished charm, “Guys, my apologies for being late. To make up for it. I’ve brought you guys some gifts. Hope you’ll like them.”
His impeccable looks and suave demeanor were enough to draw admiring glances from the young women there, especially from Claudia’s younger cousin, Ava Robinson, whose eyes practically sparkled with infatuation.
One by one. Ryan’s subordinates handed out gift bags to Claudia’s relatives. Even the children received their share. Each bag contained a diamond–encrusted watch–a gesture so extravagant it left the room buzzing with astonishment.
“Wow, this is real diamond?” someone gasped, holding the watch up to the light, his voice tinged with disbelief.
“Diamonds! Now that’s worth something, another chimed in.
“This is the first time I’ve ever received a gift like this. A diamond watch, no less. Talk about luxury,” a third exclaimed, clearly awed.
Claudia’s
is family beamed with joy, their faces lit up with smiles as they admired their new treasures.
Ryan’s grand gesture not only impressed the crowd but also deeply stroked Jimmy’s ego.
He basked in the moment, his chest puffed out with pride as he declared, “Allow me to introduce Mr. Ryan Watson, the CEO of Watson Group, Rupert’s esteemed boss, and–more importantly–my daughter Doris’s boyfriend.*
“You’re truly blessed to have a future son–in–law like Mr. Watson, Jimmy,” Andre Robinson, Claudia’s father, said with admiration. “Now I feel even more assured about Claudia marrying Rupert
“So, Jimmy,” chimed in Maisie Robinson, Claudia’s mother, “when are Doris and Mr. Watson tying the knot?”
In Maisie’s mind, this connection made their families even closer. She thought, If the Reed family and Watson family become in–laws, and we’re tied to the Reeds, that makes us practically family with the Watsons too. Who in Hampstone would dare look down on Claudia then?
Jimmy beamed, his face alight with pride, “Soon. And rest assured, we’ll host a grand celebration–you’ll all be invited to the wedding.”
His words ignited a spark of fury in Doris. She shot to her feet, her tone as cold as the arctic winds. “Ryan and I broke up a long time ago. There will never be a wedding between us.”
Her declaration was like a punch in the guts to everyone present. The lively, cheerful atmosphere froze instantly.
Ryan’s smile vanished, his sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an intensity that could cut glass.
… is the
“You…” Jimmy’s face darkened as he glared at Doris, the disruption clearly fueling his anger. Tve made it clear–Ryan is only one I will ever acknowledge as your future husband. Anyone else will never receive my blessing.”
Peyton clung to Doris’s hand, her expression twisted with worry. “Doris, don’t say such hurtful things. We all know how good Ryan’s been to you. Don’t be so ungrateful.”
Rupert, ever eager to back Ryan, scoffed, “Doris, what’s wrong with you? Mr. Watson is practically perfect. And you wanna break up with him? You must’ve lost your mind.”
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Chapter 18
Laura, who had no idea of the full story, tried to mediate, Doris, is there some misunderstanding between you and Mr Warson! Don’t keep bringing up breaking up. I’ll be bad for your relationship
Maisir, ever the opportunist, stepped forward to smooth things over, though her words carried a sharp edge. Doris, I’m going to say something you might not like. You’re just an ordinary girl, with nothing to your name but a pretty face.
“Mr. Watson is young, handsome, rich, and utterly devoted to you. Do you really think someone like him hasn’t seen his for share of beautiful women? You’re lucky that he chose you. It’s like winning the lottery.
“There are countless women out there who’d do anything to have a boyfriend like him. Don’t be rash and throw away what you’ve got, or you’ll end up as a laughingstock.
In truth. Maisie envied Doris for having someone like Ryan as her boyfriend. Deep down, she wished it were her daughter. Claudia, standing beside him.
However, for the sake of Claudia’s future in the Reed family, Maisie knew that maintaining the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family was crucial. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered trying to play peacemaker.
“Doris,” came the voice of Molly, who heaved a heavy sigh, her lined face etched with disappointment. Tm eighty years old, and I know how to judge people. You’re lucky to be with Mr. Watson, girl. How could you be so blind?”
To the rest of the Robinson family, Ryan was nothing short of the perfect boyfriend. They couldn’t fathom why Doris would even consider breaking up with him. They thought she must’ve been out of her mind to give him up.
Some laughed at her, others simply watched the drama unfold, while a few even had the audacity to stand up and openly take sides.
Ava strode confidently toward Doris, her words sharp and bold. “Doris, if you really want to break up with Mr. Watson, then don’t mind if I step in.”
She cast a coy glance at Ryan, her gaze lingering on him, dripping with barely veiled infatuation.
“We’re with Ava,” chimed her parents, Billy and Ruth, whose envy of Doris was plain as day.
Jimmy’s face flushed with urgency. “Billy, Ruth, let me make one thing clear–Ryan is Doris’s boyfriend and no one else
Ryan, witnessing the room unanimously siding with him, let his smug smile return. His handsome face radiated confidence as if the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.
But Doris was far from impressed. She turned her gaze on Ava, her lips curling into a serene smile. “Be my guest. It doesn’t matter to me—because I’m already married.”
Ryan’s refined, self–assured smile vanished in an instant. Shock rippled across his striking features, and for a fleeting moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes. “Impossible. Doris, you’re only saying this to provoke me. I won’t fall for your tricks.”
Doris met his disbelief with a calm, unyielding gaze, though puzzled by his overconfidence. I’m not that childish, Ryan. You’re not worth the effort.”
Ryan’s voice turned sharp, his composure cracking further. “Then bring this so–called husband of yours here. Let me see him.”
Doris had had enough. Her patience snapped, and her tone grew icy. “Ryan, I’ll make sure you give up on this. Let me put an end to your delusions once and for all. I’m going to make a call.”
Without another glance at him, she strode out of the private room, her chest heaving as she struggled to calm herself. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and called Lewis. Each second that passed felt like an eternity as her heart
raced.
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13:06 Wed, 26 Feb
Chapter 18
Finally, a familiar, deep voice resonated through the receiver, udh and me he do j
magun
do your from the d
She chuched the phone tightly, her heart pounding as if it were trying to break free from her come to the Hampstone Hotel to meet my parents? They don’t believe Em mened, and they wagen word me boyfriend here.
her,
The weight of the simation pressed heavily on far, and all the could do was hope that Lemmen wundertone her if he did, the humiliation waiting for her would be unbearable.
There was silence on the other end. Lewis didn’t say a word, and the vullness made broncs perons they began uy into her voice as she hurried to explain. I know I should’ve talked to you about this fire, and is my f
“But this came out of nowhere, and I had no other choice. It’s lunchtime anyway, an itellyt tationes fut there a and talk to them. You can head back to work right after. It won’t disrupt your day.
Lewis finally broke the silence, his tone cool and edged with reproach as he hated it when someone worked his plate “Doris, you’re right. You should’ve talked to me about this. And more importantly, your mess won’t mine to dean p
His words hit like shards of ice, cutting through her fragile composure. Doris bit back the sting rising in her chest and blinked away the dampness threatening her eyes,
“I’m sorry that I disturbed you, she fnurmured, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. “I should se been more considerate. You’re absolutely right. It’s my mess, and I shouldn’t have dragged you into it”
When Doris stepped back into the private room, all eyes turned to her, and Ryan, perched confidently at the table wasted no time. “So?” he asked, his voice dripping with smugness ‘Couldn’t find anyone to back up your little
The room seemed to close in around Doris, the air heavy with judgment. Her chest was tightening up, making it hard to breathe.
She forced herself to stay calm, meeting Ryan’s piercing gaze with as much poise as she could muster. “He’s busy” she said evenly. “Of course, if you’re in a rusli. I can introduce him another time”
Ryan’s grin widened, his laughter filling the room. “Doris, keep spinning your lie. I’m all ears,” he scoffed.
She bit her lip hard enough to sting, unwilling to dignify his mockery with a response
Rupert, seated nearby, leaned back with a sneer. His tone oozed derision as he piled on “Dorn, are you sure you’re not involved with some con artist? The kind who scams women for money and sex
His gaze was cruel, his words sharper than knives. “You know as well as I do there’s no one out there better for you than Mr. Watson. You’re so ungrateful. Honestly, you deserve this–getting swindled like a foul”
Jimmy jumped in with a similar sneer. “Rupert’s right. You’ve been duped. Doris Face it. If this guy were the real deal, why isn’t he here?”
Peyton’s voice carried a note of pity, though it only made her words sting all the more “Doris, it’s not too late. Apologize to Mr. Watson, and I’m sure he’ll forgive you”
Maisie chimed in, her expression almost maternal, though her words betrayed her true intent, “Doris, let’s be honest. Who could possibly compare to Mr. Watson? Marrying him is your best and only option. Stop clinging to these delusions and face reality
Each word from the group was like a needle, pricking her skin, one after another, until it became an unbearable cacophony of scorn and pity
And then, the door suddenly swung open with a force that silenced everyone. A deep, authoritative voice called out. “Dom”
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