Chapter 4 88 % Doris took advantage of her day off to wander around town . She wanted to buy a few things to comfort her parents , who were still lamenting the loss of their perfect son in law , Ryan Besides , she was moving out of their home soon . She saw this as her last gesture of kindness before she left . After grabbing a quick dinner on her own , she didnt make it back until almost eight in the evening . As soon as she walked through the door , Doris handed a beautifully wrapped dress to her mother , Peyton . Try it on , Doris urged gently . Peytons eyes lit up as she unfolded the dress , her delight unmistakable . Its beautiful . This mustve cost a fortune . Mom , as long as you like it , the price doesnt matter . Doris said , coaxing her mother with a warm smile . Just then , her father , Jimmy , returned from his evening walk . The moment he spotted Doris , his expression darkened . Peyton , oblivious to the tension , picked up a box of brand new leather shoes from the sofa and showed them to Jimmy . Jimmy , look . Doris got me this lovely dress and it cost her more than 700 dollars . And she bought these shoes for you . They were over 1400 dollars Jimmy sank into the sofa , placing his water cup down with an audible thud . His gaze bore into Doris . You bought these ? Doris nodded . I just got paid , and I noticed youve been wearing the same pair of leather shoes for years , so I thought Before she could finish , Jimmy snatched the shoes from Peytons hands and flung them onto the floor . Whats the point of all this ? Do you think this is what I want ? What I want is for you to marry Mr. Well , you can keep dreaming Doris bit her lip hard , her eyes glistening with unshed tears . Without waiting for another word , she spun on her heels and retreated to her room , slamming the door behind her . Jimmys angry ranting was muffled by the walls , but his frustration was clear . Peyton crouched to pick up the scattered shoes , brushing off the scuffed leather with care . Why are you so angry ? At least Doris meant well Jimmys frown deepened , his voice thick with disdain . Are you seriously comparing a pair of shoes and a dress to Mr. Warson ? Do you even remember how our son managed to buy his place ! Where do you think that money came from ? I … Peyton faltered , her face clouded with worry . Tll try talking to Doris again . Maybe I can convince her to make up with Mr. The next morning , Doris left for work earlier than usual . For the past five years , she had worked in the Food and Beverage Department at the five star Hampstone Hotel . It was at this very hotel that her ex boyfriend , Ryan , had hosted his engagement party with Leia Martin , the heiress of a family long tied to Ryans own . That night had turned Doris into the butt of countless jokes among the staff . But no matter what had happened , Doris knew one thing for sure losing a boyfriend was one thing , but losing her job wasnt an option . Taking a deep breath , she squared her shoulders and stepped into the grand hotel lobby with her head held high . She thought . As long as I dont feel embarrassed , then its not me whos awkward its them 1/4 Chapter 4 Sure enough , the moment she entered , her coworkers began throwing her sneaky glances Some whispered in hushed tones , but when she caught their eye , they quickly dispersed , pretending to be busy with their tasks . Doris ignored them , maintaining her usual calm demeanor . She greeted those she passed with her professional , practiced smile , as though nothing in the world could rattle her In the employer locker room , she changed into her uniform , smoothing out the crisp fabric with care before heading to her station . Once there , she threw herself into her work , meticulously crafting an array of exgamite pastries . At eleven sharp , Lola carved out a moment from her packed schedule to visit Doris . Lola and Doris werent just colleagues they were best friends who shared everything Lola , though born into privilege . rarely talked about her wealthy family . Instead , she carved her own path . After majoring in hotel management at university , Lola joined Hampstone Hotel . It was partly out of passion and partly because she was determined not to rely on her familys fortune With her exceptional skills and sharp instincts , she had climbed the ladder quickly , becoming the front desk manager at a remarkably young age Lola was a striking beauty . Her sharp , vivid features and alluring figure were impossible to ignore Admirers flocked to her in droves , and they all seemed to have fat wallets .. But Lola wasnt the type to be swept off her feet by money . For her , attraction was about chemistry and a handsome face never hurt I skipped breakfast this morning . Now Im starving . Lola murmured , popping a delicate butter cookie into her mouth . Ill bring you breakfast from now on . Doris offered earnestly , her tone warm and sincere . Theres no need . Lola replied lightly , but her sharp eyes didnt miss the dark circles shadowing Doriss eyes . A flicker of concern crossed Lolas face as she was worried Doris was still upset about the breakup . Did you not sleep well last night = Tm fine , Doris said , brushing off the question a little too quickly . Then , as if to stop further probing , she added . It has nothing to do with him . But Lola wasnt so easily deterred . The mention of him brought the Watson familys appalling behavior to the forefront of her mind . A storm cloud of anger passed over Lolas radiant face . I still cant believe Ryan turned out to be such trash . The way he courted you back then so over the top and now hes engaged to someone else ? And he had the audacity to do it in our hotel , making you the subject of gossip . If Id been there , I swear I wouldve knocked him into next week . Honestly , it makes my blood boil Doris couldnt help but laugh softly at the sight of Lola swinging her fists at imaginary targets . Youre laughing ? After everything hes done to you ? Lola stared at her incredulously , before reaching out to press her palm against Doriss forehead . Youre not feverish , are you ? Because this reaction isnt normal. Smiling faintly , Doris carefully placed a plump red cherry on top of a small , perfectly square cake . I was heartbroken at first , of course . But if I think about it , Im grateful . At least I saw his true colors before it was too late . I cut my losses , and thats that . He doesnt deserve my tears . Ill live my life , focus on my work , and without him ? Ill thrive . Admiration glimmered in Lolas eyes , and she burst into applause . Thats the spirit . Lets crush it in our careers and let the losers rot where they belong As if the universe couldnt resist proving a point , Doriss phone buzzed at that exact moment . The caller ID displayed a 2/4 13:03 Wed , 26 Feli Chapter 1 name that made Lolas lips cund in disgust . It was Ryan . Lola groaned in disgust as she said , Oh , youve got to be kidding me . How does he even have the nerve to call you ? This hesitated , her hand hovering over the screen for a few seconds before she answered . Her tone was cool and detached . Watson , were done . Theres no reason for you to contact me anymore . Please dont call me again Without wanting for a reply , she ended the call and promptly blocked his number . Lada beamed with approval , giving her a prond thumbs up . But Ryan wasnt finished . Moments later , a WhatsApp notification appeared . Doris opened the voice message , and the smug . overly composed tone in his voice was unmistakable . Doris , lets have lunch . You can pick the place Maximilien Restaurant or Hampstone Hotel . Its up to you . Ill follow your lead . Lolas face twisted in a mix of disbelief and revulsion . Could he be any slimier ? Hes acting like hes respecting your wishes , but its just thinly veiled manipulation . What a textbook dirtbag . Doris , tell me youre not actually considering meeting him Doris carried out a tray of freshly baked tarts , the golden crusts glistening with a buttery sheen . Her voice was steady as said , Im going . Yesterdays incident has already caused enough trouble . Personal matters should be handled privately . 1 wont let them affect my work . she Ill go with you , Lola declared without hesitation , her tone firm . She wasnt about to let Doris face Ryan alone , knowing how manipulative he could be Using their brief lunch break , the two crossed the street to the Maximilien Restaurant , a chic establishment known for its understated elegance and impeccable service . Lola chose to wait in the outdoor seating area , her sharp eyes scanning every passerby like a hawk guarding its nest . Meanwhile , Doris stepped inside , her expression cool and unreadable . Ryan was already seated at a polished corner table , placing his order . He looked up from the menu as Doris approached , his lips curving into a smile that was maddeningly calm , as though nothing had happened . Sit , he said , gesturing with a casual flick of his hand . I ordered your favorites chicken parmesan and shrimp scampi Doris slid into the plush leather booth across from him , her movements deliberate , her posture straight as a board . She didnt spare him so much as a glance . Say what you need to say , she said curtly , her voice clipped and to the point . Ryan , unfazed by her frosty demeanor , picked up his lemonade and took a measured sip . A faint crease appeared between his brows as if he were gathering his thoughts My family has a business project with the Martin family , he began . Originally , it was supposed to be my big brother , Jake . who got engaged to her . But you know Jake hes been in a coma for six months now because of the car accident He paused , letting out a weary sigh . My parents insisted shes the ideal choice . My mom threatened me and said shed end her life if I didnt go through with the engagement . I didnt have a choice , Doris . Im just as much a victim in this as you are . The person I love is still you . His voice carried a practiced sincerity , and his eyes those warm , soulful eyes that once made her heart skip a beat seemed to plead with her . For a fleeting moment , it felt like the Ryan she had loved was sitting across from her , unchanged and full of promise . But Doris had been burned too deeply by his betrayal to fall for the same old tricks . A faint smile curved her lips , but it wasnt one of fondness . It was cold , laced with disdain . Watson , she said , each syllable biting . your love is worthless to me ? 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb EEE Chapter 4 Ryan leaned forward , his tone softening as if coaxing her back to the days when their love was untarnished . He explained , Doris , I know words wont mean much to you now . But you have to believe me . I never stopped caring about you . Weve been together for three years . Can you really just walk away from that ? Please , hear me out . Once Jake wakes up , or once this project is over , Ill end the engagement . Ill come back to you . Well get married , Doris . Well build a beautiful life together a family , two adorable kids , the works . All Im asking for is a little time . Just wait for me . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!