Chapter 30 Chapter 30 My moms been watching Biscuit for me , but yesterday I dropped by her place , and she said she had enough . She told me to take him , or shed throw him out , Lewis said , sounding resigned . Biscuit had already chewed through several of his moms skirts , earning himself a stern scolding . So youre saying Biscuits going to live with us from now on ? Doris asked , already feeling a headache coming on at the thought . What else am I supposed to do ? Let my mom kick him out ? Look how adorable he is . How could you say no ? Lewis raised his eyebrows , his tone light but clearly teasing . Doris bit her lip , fully prepared to admit she could absolutely say no . But the reality was , this was Lewiss house . If he wanted to keep a dog here , she didnt exactly have the right to veto the decision . Fine , you can keep him . She conceded grudgingly but added , But hes not allowed in my room . Thats non negotiable . Lewis said with a smirk , Just make sure to always keep your door locked . You know , for your own good . Doris glared at him but didnt push back . She knew she didnt have much leverage here . She was under his roof , after all . Are you really that scared of dogs ? Lewis asked , amusement flickering in his deep eyes . Im not scared , Doris shot back , crossing her arms . Its just that your dog left a … lasting first impression , Doris replied. What she really wanted to say was that Biscuit had scarred her for life . Besides , seeing Biscuit here without any mental preparation left her even more terrified . Biscuit likes you . Thats why he keeps trying to get close to you , Lewis said , scratching the dogs ears . He doesnt think of you as an outsider . Ha … lucky me , Doris muttered under her breath , forcing a dry laugh . If only he did think of me as an outsider , Doris thought . Hey , Lewis said suddenly , holding out Biscuits leash . Why dont you try petting him ? Doris wasnt about to fall for that trap . She changed the subject and asked , Dont you have work today ? My grandmas getting discharged from the hospital . Im supposed to pick her up and take her home , Lewis explained . She wants you to come too . Says she has something important to announce . So hurry up and get ready . Without waiting for a response , he walked off with Biscuit trotting happily behind him . Doris took a sigh , closed her door , and rushed to get dressed . She felt relieved that shed bought herself a new outfit while shopping for Laura yesterday . She slipped into a soft , blush pink shirt dress that fell just to her knees . The pearl belt cinched her waist perfectly , and the chiffon fabric added an air of elegance . Grabbing a small white shoulder bag , she stepped out of her room and said to Lewis , Im ready . Lewis looked up and froze for a moment . Standing there in the morning sunlight , Doris looked effortlessly graceful , like a butterfly ready to fly . Her long hair fell like silk , with a pearl hairpin adding a delicate touch . She was beautiful in a way that felt pure and sweet . When Doris noticed him staring at her , she frowned slightly and glanced down at her outfit . What ? Is something wrong ? 1/3 70 % Chapter 30 Lewis coughed into his fist , quickly shook off his momentary daze , and replied , No , its perfect . Even Biscuit seemed excited by her appearance and tugged at his leash to get closer . But Lewis tugged back and gave him at warning . Biscuit ! Behave , or youre staying home . At that , Doriss bright expression dimmed , and she asked , Wait … Biscuits coming too ? Cant leave him alone , Lewis said simply , holding out the leash to her . Here , give it a try . Doris slipped on her sneakers and immediately stepped outside , pretending not to hear him . Lewis chuckled , looking down at Biscuit . Looks like Doris isnt your biggest fan . Youd better be on your best behavior . When they arrived at the hospital , Margarets face lit up as soon as she saw the two of them coming together . Her eyes crinkled with warmth , and her smile was as radiant as ever . While Lewis went to handle the discharge paperwork , Doris stayed with Margaret , helping her pack up her belongings . The two had gotten along well during Doriss previous visits , and they were sharing casy , pleasant conversations . By the time Lewis returned , the bags were packed , and Margaret was ready to leave . With Doris on one side and Lewis on the other , they escorted her out of the hospital , their pace slow and steady . Margaret lived in the suburbs , a good forty minute drive from the hospital . Doris sat with Margaret in the backseat , chatting along the way . Doris , is your husband treating you well ? Margaret asked . It was a question she seemed to ask every single time they talked . Doris felt a flicker of guilt and glanced at Lewis in the drivers seat . Yeah … Pretty well . The thing was , Margaret didnt know that Lewis was Doriss husband . They had decided to break the news until Margaret was out of the hospital , thinking it would be better to tell her in person . So , for now , Margaret was blissfully unaware of the shocking news . Margaret narrowed her eyes at Doris , her gaze as sharp as ever . You look thinner , Doris . Its just work . Things have been a little hectic lately , Doris replied , brushing it off . Truthfully , it wasnt just work family drama and endless stress were taking their toll too . Margaret didnt buy it and insisted , Its your husband , isnt it? I knew it . Hes not treating you right . The last time I saw you , you had dark circles and looked stressed . He doesnt even buy you decent clothes . If hes like that , dont put up with it ! Youre so gorgeous . You can have anyone you want . Doris opened her mouth to protest , but before she could say anything, her eyes met Lewiss through the rearview mirror . She couldnt help but wonder what was going through his mind as Margaret went on about what a terrible husband he must be . Grandma , you havent even met him . Just dont … Lewis protested . Shut up ! Margaret cut him off . Guys are all the same . Before marriage , they treat the girls like a queen . After marriage , they take their wives for granted . Lewis , if you ever treat your wife like that , Ill be the first to smack you . Lewis suddenly found himself under fire for no reason . He didnt say a word , but his lips tightened . Doris , meanwhile , was trying her hardest not to laugh . It was rare to see Lewis at a loss for words , and she was thoroughly enjoying it . Lewis caught her smirking and shot her a pointed look , which only made her struggle harder to keep a straight face . 2/3 Chapter 30 Before long , they arrived at Margarets home . After her previous house had been torn down , shed moved into a charming , two story villa in a new neighborhood . The house had a lovely yard , filled with greenery and colorful flowers that bloomed brightly under the spring sun . Golden flowers swayed gently in the breeze at the corner of the garden wall , looking like a dancers flowing sleeves . It felt like a warm welcome . Neighbors waved and greeted Margaret enthusiastically . When they pushed open the wooden gate , a familiar figure appeared Nadia , Margarets housekeeper , holding a basin of warm water tinged with yellow and black hues . Hartman , welcome back , Nadia said with a smile . Here , wash your hands and face with this . Itll ward off bad luck . Margaret took the towel Nadia had prepared and dutifully washed her face . Doris , curious as ever , turned to Lewis and asked , Whats this all about ? Lewis tilted his head slightly and glanced at the water . Its water boiled with pomelo leaves . Older folks believe pomelo leaves can dispel bad luck and keep negative energy away . Washing with it is supposed to bring good fortune . Doris nodded in understanding . Thats actually pretty interesting . Lewis was never convinced of such theories . He only believed in himself . Seeing Doriss reaction , he raised his eyebrows and asked , Do you believe it ? Doris thought for a moment and replied , If it keeps Margaret safe and sound , yeah , Id love to believe it . Lewiss lips quirked up in a faint smile at her answer . Nadia had been with the Hartman family for over a decade , and Lewis transferred her to take care of Margaret . Over the past three years , Nadia had taken excellent care of Margaret , and Lewis trusted her completely . By midday , the house and yard were buzzing with activity . Four tables had been set up , laden with a variety of delicious dishes . Relatives and neighbors arrived one after another , filling the space with laughter and chatter . As everyone settled in , Margaret stood up with a glass of water and said , Thank you all for coming today . Im so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family . Now , I propose a toast . After taking a sip , she continued , her tone growing more serious . Since everyone I care about is here , I have something very important to announce . 3/3 AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!