Chapter 18 87 % Doris bat down on her lip , swallowing the bitterness surging within her . She forced herself to act as though Ryan didnt exist , treating him like nothing more than air . Ryans 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 . Ive brought you guys some gifts . Hope youll like them . His impeccable looks and suave demeanor were enough to draw admiring glances from the young women there , especially from Claudias younger cousin , Ava Robinson , whose eyes practically sparkled with infatuation . One by one . Ryans subordinates handed out gift bags to Claudias 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 thats worth something , another chimed in . This is the first time Ive ever received a gift like this . A diamond watch , no less . Talk about luxury , a third exclaimed , clearly awed . Claudias is family beamed with joy , their faces lit up with smiles as they admired their new treasures . Ryans grand gesture not only impressed the crowd but also deeply stroked Jimmys 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 , Ruperts esteemed boss , and more importantly my daughter Doriss boyfriend . * Youre truly blessed to have a future son in law like Mr. Watson , Jimmy , Andre Robinson , Claudias father , said with admiration . Now I feel even more assured about Claudia marrying Rupert So , Jimmy , chimed in Maisie Robinson , Claudias mother , when are Doris and Mr. Watson tying the knot ? In Maisies mind , this connection made their families even closer . She thought , If the Reed family and Watson family become in laws , and were 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 , well host a grand celebration youll 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 . Ryans smile vanished , his sharp gaze locking onto Doris with an intensity that could cut glass . … is the You … Jimmys 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 Doriss hand , her expression twisted with worry . Doris , dont say such hurtful things . We all know how good Ryans been to you . Dont be so ungrateful . Rupert , ever eager to back Ryan , scoffed , Doris , whats wrong with you ? Mr. Watson is practically perfect . And you wanna break up with him ? You mustve lost your mind . 1/4 Chapter 18 Laura , who had no idea of the full story , tried to mediate , Doris , is there some misunderstanding between you and Mr Warson ! Dont keep bringing up breaking up . Ill be bad for your relationship Maisir , ever the opportunist , stepped forward to smooth things over , though her words carried a sharp edge . Doris , Im going to say something you might not like . Youre just an ordinary girl , with nothing to your name but a pretty face . Watson is young , handsome , rich , and utterly devoted to you . Do you really think someone like him hasnt seen his for share of beautiful women ? Youre lucky that he chose you . Its like winning the lottery . There are countless women out there whod do anything to have a boyfriend like him . Dont be rash and throw away what youve got , or youll 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 Claudias future in the Reed family , Maisie knew that maintaining the connection between the Reed family and the Watson family was crucial . Otherwise , she wouldnt 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 . Youre 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 couldnt fathom why Doris would even consider breaking up with him . They thought she mustve 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 dont mind if I step in . She cast a coy glance at Ryan , her gaze lingering on him , dripping with barely veiled infatuation . Were with Ava , chimed her parents , Billy and Ruth , whose envy of Doris was plain as day . Jimmys face flushed with urgency . Billy , Ruth , let me make one thing clear Ryan is Doriss 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 doesnt matter to me because Im already married . Ryans 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 , youre only saying this to provoke me . I wont fall for your tricks . Doris met his disbelief with a calm , unyielding gaze , though puzzled by his overconfidence . Im not that childish , Ryan . Youre not worth the effort . Ryans 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 , Ill make sure you give up on this . Let me put an end to your delusions once and for all . Im 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 . 2/4 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 dont 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 didnt say a word , and the vullness made broncs perons they began uy into her voice as she hurried to explain . I know I shouldve talked to you about this fire , and is my f But this came out of nowhere , and I had no other choice . Its lunchtime anyway , an itellyt tationes fut there a and talk to them . You can head back to work right after . It wont 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 , youre right . You shouldve talked to me about this . And more importantly , your mess wont 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 , Im sorry that I disturbed you , she fnurmured , her voice tight with suppressed emotion . I should se been more considerate . Youre absolutely right . Its my mess , and I shouldnt 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 Couldnt 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 Ryans piercing gaze with as much poise as she could muster . Hes busy she said evenly . Of course , if youre in a rusli . I can introduce him another time Ryans grin widened , his laughter filling the room . Doris , keep spinning your lie . Im 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 youre 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 theres no one out there better for you than Mr. Youre so ungrateful . Honestly , you deserve this getting swindled like a foul Jimmy jumped in with a similar sneer . Ruperts right . Youve been duped . Doris Face it . If this guy were the real deal , why isnt he here ? Peytons voice carried a note of pity , though it only made her words sting all the more Doris , its not too late . Apologize to Mr. Watson , and Im sure hell forgive you Maisie chimed in , her expression almost maternal , though her words betrayed her true intent , Doris , lets 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 . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!