13:02 Wed , 26 Feb FRA · Chapter 2 Chapter 2 At precisely 7 a.m. , Doris was jolted awake by the sharp blare of her alarm clock still grozzy , she forced herself out of bed , washed up quickly , and began getting ready for the day Timing it perfectly to avoid her father , Jimmy Reed , Doris approached her mother , Peyton Reed , with a feigned casualness . Mom , can I borrow my birth certificate for a bit ? I need to make a copy for some paperwork In truth . Doris wasnt entirely sure if Lewis would show up at the city hall as promised , but she was willing to take the gamble . Peyton handed over the certificate without much thought , her tone carrying a teasing lilt . If youre using this to get married to Mr. Watson , your father would be over the moon Mom , can you not bring him up ? Doriss voice turned sharp , irritation flashing across her face. She hated how her parents constantly brought up Ryan , as if he were the pinnacle of perfection rather than the cheat he had proven to be Grabbing her things , she muttered , Im heading to work . And then the left before Peyton could respond . Not long after she stepped outside , Doriss phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number . She hesitated but picked it up . Hello , is this Doris Reed ? An elderly womans voice came through , warm and gentle . Yes , this is Doris . Whos speaking ? Doris asked , puzzled . Im Margaret Hartman , the lady you helped bring to the hospital yesterday , the voice explained kindly . I got your number from the nurse . You left your number with the nurse when you registered me . I hope you dont mind . Doris blinked in recognition . So thats who it is , she thought The memory came rushing back yesterday , before meeting her friend Lola for a shopping trip , shed come across Margaret , who had fainted in the street . Without hesitation , Doris had called an ambulance and stayed by Margarets side until she was safely admitted to the hospital . What can I do for you ? Doris asked . The doctor mentioned that you paid for my medical bills yesterday , Margaret said , her tone tinged with gratitude . Would you mind coming by the hospital ? Id like to reimburse you . Doris hesitated for only a moment before agreeing . Sure , I can do that . After all , the money was rightfully hers , and she wasnt one to play coy about something so practical . It was a convenient detour Hampstone General Hospital was right next to the city hall in Cornton Heights , where she was headed anyway . On her way , Doris stopped at a small shop and picked up a cheerful gift basket filled with fruits and snacks . When she arrived at Margarets hospital room , she walked in with a warm smile . Good morning , maam . How are you feeling today ? Margaret , who had just finished breakfast , lit up at the sight of her . Her lined face softened with a deep smile . Youre here . I hope Im not keeping you from anything important . Not at all , Doris replied , setting the gift basket down on a nearby table . You didnt need to bring me a gift , Margaret said , touched but slightly flustered . I dont even know how to thank you . enough She gestured for Doris to come closer . Come , sit with me . Doris settled into the chair beside the bed , her demeanor relaxed . Theres no need to thank me . Im just glad youre doing well 1/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 2 88 % Margarets gaze lingered on her , as though taking in every detail . Her smile deepened , and the lines on her face crinkled in pleasant folds . What a lovely , kind hearted young woman you are . Your boyfriend must be a very lucky man . Doris gave her a polite , faint smile . I dont have a boyfriend . Margarets eyes widened in surprise , and then delight . You dont ? Well , thats just wonderful . She clapped her hands lightly on the blanket , her excitement infectious . Doris tilted her head slightly , confusion flickering across her face . Realizing she might have come on too strong . Margaret covered her mouth with a sheepish laugh . What I mean is , I happen to know someone who would be perfect for you . Would you like to meet him ? Doriss brow twitched slightly . So this is about setting me up on a blind date ? she thought , feeling a mix of surprise and amusement . Margaret , theres no need , Doris said quickly , waving her hands in polite refusal . I actually have plans to meet someone at the city hall today to get married … The words had barely left her lips when a tall , striking figure entered the room . The pristine white of his shirt enhanced his chiseled features , giving him an almost regal allure . It was Lewis the very person she was supposed to meet at the city hall for their marriage license . Their eyes locked across the room , separated only by the hospital bed . Doriss wide , startled gaze betrayed her shock . She hadnt expected to see him here of all places , and the suddenness of it made her feel like shed just been caught in the act of some social catastrophe . Heat rushed to her cheeks as embarrassment prickled her skin . She felt like if there were ever a moment to be swallowed by the earth , this was it . Lewis , too , seemed taken aback , a flicker of surprise passing through his deep , enchanting eyes before his expression settled . into calm indifference , like a placid lake concealing hidden depths . Margaret , however , seemed unaware of the tension crackling in the room . Instead , Doriss earlier words about getting married left a faint trace of disappointment in her warm smile . Lewis , Margaret said , her voice soft with affection as she looked at him . This young lady , Doris Reed , is the one who helped me yesterday . Doris , this is my grandson , Lewis Hartman . Lewiss lips curved slightly, the barest hint of amusement flickering in his otherwise composed demeanor . Hartman , nice to meet you . Doris managed a polite smile , though inside , her nerves felt like a violin string stretched too tight . She hoped hed play along and not make things worse . Reed , a pleasure , Lewis replied smoothly , his tone carrying an undercurrent of subtle playfulness . His gaze lingered , as though testing her resolve . If she doesnt want me to acknowledge her , Ill oblige her little act , he thought . Doris quickly stood up , eager to escape the unbearable awkwardness . Margaret , I have something else to attend to . Ill be heading out now , Oh , okay … Margaret sighed , clearly reluctant to let her go . There was something about Doris that struck a chord with her , and she couldnt help wishing shed gotten to know Doris sooner . Turning to her grandson , Margaret added , Lewis , see Doris out for me , would you ? And make sure to thank her properly Of course , Grandma . Lewiss tone softened as he reassured her . You rest up . Ill be back shortly . He walked Doris to the door , holding it open before following her into the corridor . The sound of the door clicking shut 2/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 2 behind them punctuated the silence . Lewis called after her , his voice composed but commanding . A moment , plicane Doris stopped mid stride , her hand tightening on her purse . Turning slowly , she asked . Me Harman after something in Thank you for saving my grandmother . he said , closing the distance between them in two long strides . His sowering frame made her feel both cornered and oddly protected at once No worries Doris murmured and shook her head , her gaze fixed firmly on the floor . She didnt dare meer teves knowing they would only make her feel even more exposed . Well then be on my way 11 Ms. Reed , Lewis said casually , as though commenting on the weather . Werent you beaded to the cry tall so permet Coincidentally , so am 1. Shall we go together ? Without waiting for her reply , he stared walking ahead Doriss long lashes fluttered in astonishment . Did he really just bring up last nights conversation he still remember that she thought , utterly caught off guard By the time they arrived at the city hall in Cornton Heights , the clock struck 6:50 am . The morning air was rig but Dors could feel her nerves tightening with every step they took Just before entering , Lewis turned to her . His expression was unreadable , but this voice held a note oferi Ms Feed you still have time to reconsider . Her clear, determined eyes met his as she replied firmly . Hartman , theres nothing to retouder Lets per mart be Lewiss gaze lingered on her face for a moment , his expression unreadable . Then , with a slight dip of his head he said . A flicker of joy lit up Doriss eyes as she heard his answer . You agreed ? she asked a hint of digging to her voice After all , Lewis said smoothly , his tone almost nonchalant , no one likes being called a coward Doris froze , momentarily speechless . Uh did he really need to remember such a random det ? she thought , unable decide whether to laugh or groan Lewiss lips curled into a faint , detached smile as he remarked , Ms. Reed , Im only marrying you for my grandmothers sake . Dont get any unrealistic ideas about what this arrangement means . If you do the only one wholl en bun as you Mr. Hartman , rest assured . Doris replied earnestly , her clear eyes steady with conviction . After were tamed I wont Interfere with your life . If you meet someone you genuinely care about , we can divorce anytime Her tone was resolute , as if she were swearing an oath . Deep down , she knew this was the most impulsive , reckless decisice she had ever made in her twenty six years of life . Lewis studied her for a moment , his sharp eyes searching her determined face for any sign of hesitation . Then with a cart nod , he pulled out his phone and dialed a number . Not long after , a polished , impeccably dressed man entered the room . exuding an air of quiet authority . Reed , good morning . Im Ivan Mitchell , Mr. Hartmans attorney , Ivan spoke with calm professionalism as he withdrew a thick folder from his sleek black briefcase . This is your prenuptial agreement . Please take your time to review carefully Lewis , ever pragmatic , added coolly , Words alone mean nothing . Once youve signed this agreement , we proceed marriage paperwork Doris accepted the brown folder , her fingers brushing over the smooth , unyielding surface of the leather . Her heart tensed as she removed the contents , the bold heading Prenuptial Agreement immediately catching her eye . Chapor 2 She unfolded the pages her gaze mowing between the parties shall me panty dia diy din the the only by else 1 The marriage line tin the date of good may be dissolved at very time within one year at wither and any ne Clause 2. Upon divorce , the female panty shall conditionally leave the marriage with financial claim to the trade partys Similarly , the male party hall make no claim to the female partys assets . Clauer & Post divorce , the male party will assess and may provide financial or mater competion to the female party . depending on circumstances Both parties agree to adhere to and uphold the terms outlined in this agreement Lewis knew this agreement was nothing short of an ironclad , one sided treaty that safeguarded his interests while leaving her completely vulnerable Lewis , meanwhile , watched her intently , his piercing gaze never leaving her face . He wait have enough to think she would have no objections . 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