Chapter 3 88 % Doris faced the harsh terms laid out in the agreement with unflinching composure , her expression as calm as still waters . Without hesitation , she reached into her bag , pulled out a pen , and prepared to sign her name . Lewis raised an eyebrow slightly , his mind flickering with curiosity . Shes got nerves of steel , Ill give her that , he thought . Still , he decided to give her one last chance to reconsider . Reed , if youre having any trouble understanding the terms , feel free to consult a lawyer before signing . Take your time . Its better to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future . If you want to back out now , its not too late , This was his final offer of retreat a clear exit if she wanted to take it Tve read it thoroughly . Doris replied with a nonchalant tone , her pen moving decisively as she signed her name in bold strokes . Lewis exchanged a quick look with Ivan , the faintest flicker of surprise passing between them . Her unwavering confidence caught Lewis off guard . He had expected resistance , hesitation , or at least a few questions . Instead , she signed with such casual ease that it almost made him feel petty for doubting her intentions . Not that he would admit any guilt . As the heir to Hartman Group , Lewis knew he couldnt afford to leave his marriage open to any risks . This is purely precautionary , he thought to himself . Doriss character will reveal itself in due time . For now , Im just covering my bases . Reed , this agreement comes in triplicate , Ivan explained smoothly , tucking one copy into a folder before handing it to her . Hartman , and I , as the attorney , will each keep a copy . Thank you , Mr. Mitchell , Doris responded with a polite , practiced smile , accepting the folder . Lewis glanced at his watch . The sleek silver dial reflected the sunlight streaming through the windows . I have an important meeting at ten , he announced coolly . Lets get this over with . Without waiting for a reply , he strode toward the city hall entrance , his legs cutting a brisk path across the marble floor . Alright , Doris said , quickly following behind him , her heart thudding slightly faster . She couldnt afford to let him change his mind now . The oppressive atmosphere of her family home was something she had longed to escape . This no matter how unorthodox -was her way out . Ivan had arranged everything in advance . The process was smooth and efficient , and within no time , the necessary paperwork was complete . Doris held the official marriage license in her hands , its weight feeling both surreal and significant . From this moment on , she was no longer Doris Reed . She was Mrs. As she stepped out of the city hall , the morning sunlight kissed her face , wrapping her in a warm , golden glow . The air felt lighter , freer , as if shed stepped into a dream she hadnt dared to imagine . Ivan clapped a hand on Lewiss shoulder , his voice brimming with professional cheer . Congratulations , Mr. Hartman , Mrs. Wishing you both a happy marriage . Hartman ? Doris repeated the unfamiliar title in her mind , her chest tightening with a mix of apprehension and wonder . Though the name felt foreign on her ears , it carried the weight of a new chapter , a journey she had no choice but to embrace . I may not have married the heir to the legendary Hartman family of Hampstone , but here I am Mrs . Hartman nonetheless , she pondered . 1/4 13:02 Wed , 26 Feb AAR . Chapter 3 Thank you , Mr. Mitchell , she murmured , her cheeks flushing faintly as the words left her lips . 88 % It theres nothing else , Ill take my leave now , Lewis said , his tone clipped . Todays meeting demanded his full attention , and lingering wasnt part of the plan. Wait Doris carefully tucked the marriage license into her bag and turned to face him , her tone formal but calm . Hartman , let me formally introduce myself . Im a senior pastry chef at Hampstone Hotel . My job is stable , and while my salary isnt high , its enough to support myself . After were married , theres no need for us to live together . We can go about our lives separately . Her plan was simple . Since theirs was a hidden marriage with no wedding or fanfare , shed tell her parents the news , then find a new place to stay probably a shared rental . I respect your decision , Lewis replied with a curt nod . Her proposal couldnt have been more to his liking . Hed lived alone overseas for years , and the thought of suddenly sharing his space with someone especially a woman felt intrusive . For Lewis , this marriage was merely a way to appease Margaret and fulfill her wish , nothing more . Doris pulled out her phone . Hartman , can we exchange contact information ? Lets swap phone numbers and add each other on WhatsApp . Itll make communication easier. Lewis slid one hand into his pocket with effortless grace , his posture exuding a natural charisma . They exchanged numbers , their phones briefly glowing in the sunlight . Lewiss side profile was flawless thick , delicate brows , a prominent nose , and a jawline so chiseled it could cast its own shadow . The more Doris looked , the harder it was to pull her gaze away . No wonder he warned me not to get my hopes up , she thought wryly . Hes breathtakingly gorgeous , and I can tell women would fall for him so easily ! But Doris had no intention of joining that crowd . Right now , all she cared about was her career building her skills , making money , and pouring her energy into her work . Relationships werent even on her radar . Her internal musings came to a screeching halt when Lewis glanced up and caught her staring . His brooding , intense eyes locked onto hers , sending an unexpected jolt through her. Flustered , Doris quickly averted her gaze . Didnt you say you have a meeting at ten ? Its already nine thirty . Dont be late . Ill get going now . Take care of yourself , Lewis said with a slight nod , tucking his phone away . Doris gave a quick nod in return . She waved at him before turning on her heel and walking off . Ivan watched her slender figure retreat into the distance , his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he shifted his attention to Lewis . Lewis , where the hell did you find such a naive girl ? And that prenup of yours seriously , could it have been any harsher ? Spare me your sarcasm , Lewis shot back with a cold smirk . Every agreement youve drafted is worse than this one . If she really is that innocent , Ill compensate her . He had already thought this through . If Doris knows how to behave and stays in her lane , I wont let her suffer one bit , he mused . Well , now Im intrigued , Ivan said , his lips curving into a faint , mischievous smile . 2/4 13.07 Wed 26 Fe Tewicedant , Tet cutepped com comply moving where he was craterday . Hemned the car den fra Few with p 4 your day Marina Growy The DORDING Torg Tripient his gas ficking from fom before heredith work pred The Rolls Royce had barely traveled for the perks the cler 112 , Margarers voice rane through tinged with repeal parts worth and disepinement . Lewis , Dons saved my life , you know ! I was hoping yourd marry her wore that girl and make her my granddaude in how But then she went and got married to someone else today Ju like that . How did you two end up with such bad timing Lewickept silent , listening a Margaret sighed heavily , her regres polpable even over the line Whoever that rascati , snatching Doris away from me , I swear Ed roach him lesion if I could the muttered , dearly annoyed . Lewis instinctively felt a call down los spine . Dont worry , Grandma Ill have a wide someday ? his The doctor had been clear Margarets condition repaired her to stay as calon as possible free of emotional upheaval . This was why Lewis had chosen not to tell her that he and Doris had , in fact , just registered their marriage . He The planned to wait until Margarets health stabilized before breaking the news in person , in a more controlled way . But it wont be Doris Margaret said with a note of stubbornness in her voice . I just really like that girl Tknow , Lewis replied softly , his tone indulgent . Margaret sighed again , her voice lightening a fraction , I should think about how to properly thank Doris , shouldnt 17 And with that , she ended the call . Lewis lowered his phone , staring at the screen for a moment before navigating to WhatsApp . Using her number , he added . Doris as a contact and sent her a simple message to identify himself . Doriss response was polite but curt , acknowledging his message with the same detached brevity . Moments later , her phone lit up with a notification . A transaction alert popped up , showing that Lewis had transferred her three thousand dollars via WhatsApp Pay . She blinked in shock , her fingers tightening slightly around her phone . What does he mean by this ? she wondered . Before she could overthink it , another message came in from him : [ For the medical expenses you covered for my grandmother . ] Doris stared at the text , frowning slightly s had only paid 1500 dollars at the time , so she quickly typed back : [ Thats way too much . Let me transfer the extra back to you . ] Lewiss reply was swift , almost dismissive : [ Biscuit tore your dress yesterday . Consider the rest compensation , including the emotional damage . No need to return it . ] Holding her phone , Doris hesitated for a moment . Then , after a heat of deliberation , she typed : [ Thank you ] 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb 8 . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!