Chapter 5 88 % Ryans outrageous demands left Doris utterly speechless , her rage fueled by his audacity . She couldnt comprehend how he could utter something so selfish and repulsive with such nonchalance . A cold laugh escaped her lips , sharp and biting . Ryan , what do you take me for ? Do you seriously expect me to become the other woman in your life ? I may come from a humble background , but Im not so lowly that Id stoop to something so degrading . If you truly loved me , youd never make such a shameless request . Ryans expression twisted into one of wounded indignation as he scrambled to defend himself . If I didnt love you , why would I even bother trying to make you stay ? Oh , so I should fall to my knees , overwhelmed with gratitude , and cry tears of joy ? Doris shot back with a mocking sneer . His brow furrowed deeply , frustration simmering in his eyes . Doris , must you speak to me like this ? Her voice was calm , yet firm , each word cutting like shards of glass . Ryan , I will get married one day . I will have children and build a happy home . But it wont be with you . From now on , lets go our separate ways . She rose from her seat with an air of quiet determination , her clear , wide eyes radiating a glacial serenity . As she walked past Ryan , his deep voice drifted to her ears . Doris , theres something you need to know . Not long ago , your parents came to me begging for a loan . One million dollars . If you insist on breaking up with me , well need to settle this debt . One million dollars ? she thought . The sheer figure rendered Doris momentarily speechless , a wave of disbelief washing over her . Ill speak with my parents to get to the bottom of this . Once I confirm its true , Ill pay you back every penny . Ryans lips curled into a smirk , his businesslike demeanor surfacing . Doris , one million dollars is no small sum for your family . How exactly do you plan to pay it back ? With your measly salary ? Itll take you a lifetime . Im not running a charity Doris earned about four thousand dollars a month , half of which went to support her parents . What little remained barely covered her expenses , leaving her with hardly any savings after years of scrimping and saving . Ryan leaned back in his chair , his voice dripping with condescension . Doris , be sensible . If you agree to stay with me , I wont pursue the matter . And when your brother gets married , Ill throw in a generous sum as a wedding gift , ensuring your family can host a grand celebration . Doesnt that sound like a fair deal ? Shame on you , Doris hissed , her fury bubbling over . Without a second thought , she grabbed the lemonade from the table and flung it into Ryans face . The icy liquid splattered across his perfectly groomed features , leaving him stunned . Doris , he growled , his voice low and dangerous as her name slipped through clenched teeth . He hadnt anticipated this fiery side of the usually gentle and composed girl . Doriss eyes blazed with fury . Ryan , you can keep dreaming if you think Ill ever do as you say . As she turned to leave , Ryans hand shot out , gripping her wrist with a force that betrayed his mounting anger . The veins on his temple throbbed , his temper on the brink of exploding . Doris , dont you dare walk away from me like this , he snarled. Dont push me . Doris didnt flinch . Instead , her tone was laced with disdain , every word a dagger aimed at his pride . Have you no shame , Ryan Her eyes bore into his , unwavering . Let go of me . Or Ill call the police . Their argument had already drawn quite a bit of attention in the restaurant . The weight of curious gazes pressed down on 1/4 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb FF FR Chapter & them , making Ryan reconsider his stance . Making a scene in public was the last thing he wanted . Reluctantly , he released Doriss wrist . Doris , youll regret this , he declared with the kind of overconfidence that only served to aggravate her further Doris didnt dignity him with another word . With her head held high , she turned and walked away , her every step brimming with quiet resolve . The moment she stepped outside , Lola stood up and rushed over , her brows furrowed with concern . Did he lay a hand on you ? she asked , scanning Doris for any signs of distress . Not at all , Doris replied with a shake of her head , her voice light and almost anused . If anything , I gave him a taste of his own medicine . I poured a drink on his face . Lolas eyes widened briefly before she let out a delighted laugh . Serves him right , she said , her tone dripping with satisfaction . Lets go , Doris said , looping her arm through Lolas and steering her away from the scene , As they strolled down the street , Lolas gaze flitted over to a sleek Rolls Royce parked nearby . She tugged on Doriss arm , her excitement bubbling over . Did you see that car ? Its a Rolls Royce .. And the license plate sa over the family business . Thats the Hartman familys car . Rumor has it , their heir is finally back in the country to take Doris didnt even blink at the information . So what ? she replied , her voice indifferent . Lola stared at her in disbelief . So what ? Last night , werent you saying youd marry the Hartman heir if you had the chance ? Hes back now , so heres your big opportunity . Heat rushed to Doriss cheeks as she recalled her tipsy bravado from the previous night . I was joking , she said , feeling a little mortified . Doris , dont chicken out now . If you snag the Hartman heir , not only would you be set for life and make me proud , but even Ryan would have to bow down to you . Imagine the look on his face . Lola teased , giving Doris a playful nudge . Lola then added , Besides , Im dying to see what this mysterious heir looks like . Doris rolled her eyes , not in the mood for gossip . Whats there to see ? Two eyes , a nose , and a mouth . Same as everyone else . Youre no fun , Lola huffed , her curiosity unabated . I just want to know if hes ridiculously handsome or unbearably ugly . Why else would he hide from the public eye for so long ? Doris shrugged . Maybe hes just low key . As the two friends crossed the street , they happened to pass right in front of the Rolls Royce . Inside the car , the driver glanced in Doriss direction and immediately leaned toward his boss . Hartman , thats Mrs. Lewiss eyes lifted from the phone in his hand , landing squarely on his wife . I see her , he murmured , his voice as smooth as velvet . Doris , unaware of the attention , walked with an effortless grace . Her casual low ponytail swayed gently as she chatted and laughed with Lola , her vibrant energy lighting up the otherwise ordinary street . Her slender neck and natural beauty made her seem almost otherworldly , as if shed stepped out of a painting Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 5 Lewiss gaze lingered on her , captivated by the way her every movement radiated life . She was like the first bloom of vivid and full of vitality . His eyes followed her as she made her way toward Hampstone Hotel . Once back at the hotel . Doris threw herself into her work , entirely unbothered by the unpleasant lunch with Ryan . Her focus was sharp , her productivity unwavering But when her shift ended and she returned home , an unexpected problem awaited her . Standing outside her parents place , Doris fished out her keys and tried to unlock the door , but no matter how many times she twisted the key , the lock wouldnt budge . Frowning , she stepped back and double checked the number on the door 701 . She hadnt gone to the wrong place, but she just couldnt unlock the door . Doris knocked on the door , her voice tinged with confusion . Mom , Dad , open the door . Inside , Peyton sat on the couch , her expression conflicted as she glanced at Jimmy , who was puffing away on a cigarette . After a tense moment . Peyton spoke up hesitantly , Jimmy , maybe we should let Doris in first and talk about this later . Jimmy crushed the cigarette in the glass ashtray with a sharp twist , his jaw tightening as he turned to glare at Peyton . With a heavy sigh , he pushed himself up from the couch and strode to the entryway . Behind the cold , hard door , he yelled , Doris , I just got off the phone with Mr. He told me he spoke with you at lunch today . Hes willing to break off his engagement and marry you as long as you stop being so difficult and insisting on breaking up . But what do you do ? Instead of appreciating the opportunity , you throw a drink in his face . His words came out in clipped , furious bursts . Youre an adult now , Doris . How can you still be so reckless and irresponsible ? Doriss eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and indignation . Her voice trembled , barely masking the outrage bubbling beneath the surface . You actually believe Ryan when he says hell marry me ? Hes engaged . Everyone at my office knows he booked the Hampstone Hotel for his engagement party . What are you expecting me to do ? Humiliate myself and become his mistress ? Jimmys scowl deepened , and his tone turned icy . Doris , why must you be so stubborn ? Mr. Watson cares about you . Does it really matter what title you hold ! Youd only have to put up with a little discomfort before securing a future full of happiness . His words dripped with insincerity , every syllable crafted to manipulate . Tm doing this for your own good . Why cant you see how much your mom and I have sacrificed for you ? Doriss lips curled into a bitter smile as she retorted , exposing his hypocrisy , No , youre doing this for the one million . dollars Ryan lent you . The accusation hung in the air , sharp and unyielding Jimmys face darkened , and without a word , he opened the door and delivered a resounding slap across Doriss cheek . The force of the blow snapped her head to the side , her vision momentarily swimming . A searing pain radiated across her face , burning hot and relentless . Tears welled up in her eyes , spilling over as she stood there , stunned and silent . You ungrateful brat ! Jimmy spat , his voice rising with fury . We raised you , fed you , gave you everything . And now its your turn to repay | Doris barely had a chance to recover when Peytons voice , soft yet insistent , broke through the storm . Doris , you know how small this apartment is . We cant keep everyone here forever . Rupert and Claudia are getting married soon , and theyll need their own place . 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb AFA Chapter 3 Claudias parents expected us to buy them a home . We didnt have that kind of money, so we had to borrow from Mr. 88 % Her tone grew almost pleading , but there was an undeniable edge of favoritism in her words Rupert is your little brother . As his sister , its only right for you to help him out . Hell be grateful to you for this Peyton moved closer , her expression softening as if trying to coax Doris into agreement . Watson is a decent guy . Stop fighting this , Doris . Make peace with him . Its whats best for everyone . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!