Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Doriss parents had always favored their youngest child over their other kids . Peyton , her mother , might have held some affection for Doris , but it was sparse and fleeting . For Rupert , Doriss younger brother , they were willing to sacrifice anything even their own daughter Doris , A chill spread through Doriss heart , a frost slowly thickening over the depth of her soul . Her chest tightened , the numbing cold spreading to her fingers as she clenched her hands into lists , the knuckles turning pale . I get it . Jimmy assumed Doris had come to her senses . His expression softened into what he believed was reasoned persuasion . Its for the best . Watson is your perfect match your only real future . Doriss is lips curled into a grimm smile as she retorted , If youre so fond of Ryan , why dont you marry him yourself ? Her words hit like a slap , and Jimmys face darkened , his fury igniting instantly . You ungrateful brat … he roared . Piss off . Get out of my sight . Before Doris could react , Jimmy slammed the door shut before her with finality . His voice thundered from the other side . Tve already changed the locks . Dont even think about coming back unless you make up with Mr. Until then , stay out there and think about what youve done . Peyton hesitated , her voice trembling with unease . Jimmy , its so late , and it looks like its raining outside … Jimmy spun toward her , his anger now directed at his wife . Are you trying to make things worse ? If youre so concerned , why dont you go out there and join her ? Peyton recoiled as tears welled up in her eyes . Jimmy sneered , his voice dripping with disgust , Crying again ? Thats all you ever do . Its exhausting . Now get in the kitchen . and make dinner . Im starving Silently , Peyton wiped her tears in a hurry and swallowed her sorrow , retreating into the kitchen without another word . Outside , Doris stood frozen in the rain , taking deep breaths as she fought back the tears stinging her eyes . Her family home had never been a place of warmth or love to her . It had always been a cold , suffocating cage , and now that cage had been slammed shut . Jimmy and Peyton had two daughters and a son . Doris was the middle child . Her older sister , Laura Reed now Laura Webb had dutifully obeyed their fathers wishes and married the owner of a small business . She was now a full time housewife . Her younger brother Rupert , the golden child , had reconnected with an old community college classmate , Claudia Robinson . After dating for two years , the two were set to marry , even though Rupert had only just turned twenty two . Doris , on the other hand , had always been the rebellious one , the black sheep . Her decision to break up with Ryan only confirmed her parents long held belief that she was the problem child , the ungrateful one . Before she realized it , her aimless steps had led her to Hampstone General Hospital She stopped outside , her feet unwilling to move further . She couldnt bring herself to disturb Margaret , who was resting upstairs . Instead , she sank onto a bench near the hospital entrance . The rain fell softly , a gentle drizzle painting the night sky . Doris tilted her head back , watching the raindrops streak across the faint glow of the streetlights . A hollow ache filled her chest , a deep sense of loneliness seeping into her bones . 1/4 13:03 Wed , 26 Feb FLA Chapter 6 Doriss hand reached for her phone , fingers hovering over Lolas contact as she wondered if she should call her . Before she could decide , a shadow fell over her , and the sound of raindrops softened . Looking up , she saw a large black umbrella shielding her from the rain . Lewis stood before her , one hand holding the umbrella steady . His crisp white shirt had its sleeves rolled up , revealing strong , muscular forearms . 88 % 1 His eyes , calm and steady , gazed down at her , taking in the sight of her fragile frame . Doris sat there like a drenched kitten . shivering and despondent , abandoned by the world . Lewis had just stepped out of the hospital , his sharp eyes immediately landing on Dors . She sat alone in the rain , her hair dampened by the drizzle , strands clinging to her face . Her expression carried a quiet sorrow , and her disheveled appearance was painfully noticeable . As he approached , his gaze sharpened , catching the swollen redness on her left cheek . His voice was steady but laced with concern . What happened to your face ? Who hit you ? Doris lowered her gaze , her long lashes casting shadows over her cheeks . She had no intention of airing her familys dirty laundry , so she said nothing . Lewis studied her for a moment , then decided not to press further . Why are you here ? I … Her voice cracked , dry and hoarse . I have nowhere to go . Can L … stay with you for the night ? Without a word , Lewis handed her his umbrella , the handle cold against her fingers . Come with me . He turned on his heel , his steps sure and confident , leaving Doris to follow behind , the umbrella shielding her from the rain . At the roadside , he flagged down a taxi with a single wave . Once they were inside , Lewis pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to his driver : [ Pick up the Aston Martin I left at the hospital and take it to the companys underground garage .] Lewis had driven his sleek Aston Martin to the hospital to visit Margaret , never expecting to run into Doris . But he couldnt risk exposing his true identity , so leaving the car behind was his only option . The ride was quiet , the hum of the tires on wet pavement filling the space between them . Twenty minutes later , they arrived at Greenlake Hill , a boutique residential complex known for its exclusivity and tasteful design . Lewis unlocked the door with a quick fingerprint scan and gestured for Doris to step inside . The interior was a minimalist masterpiece sleek black , white , and gray tones seamlessly blended to create an atmosphere that was both modern and coolly detached . The clean lines and precise organization mirrored Lewiss own sharp , controlled demeanor . Have you eaten ? His voice , calm and deep , broke the silence . Doris turned , meeting his gaze , and shook her head honestly . Take a hot shower first , he instructed , already heading toward the master bedroom . Youll catch a cold otherwise . There are clean towels in the bathroom cabinet . When he returned , he held out a loose white cotton T shirt and a pair of casual pants . Theres no womens clothing here , so youll have to make do with these . Doris accepted the brand new clothes , her fingers curling around the soft fabric . Her hoarse voice was low , almost a whisper . Thank you . 2/1 Chapter 6 Were married . No need for thanks His tone was matter of fact as he opened the bathroom door for her . After your shower , use an ice pack on your cheek . I left one on the coffee table . His attentiveness and quiet care stirred a mix of gratitude and warmth in Doriss heart . Once inside the bathroom , she turned on the shower , letting the warm water cascade over her . The steady stream washed away the rains chill , soaking into her skin and gradually thawing her frozen body With each drop , it felt as if some of the icy walls around her heart were beginning to melt . When she emerged from the shower , her face clean and her damp hair hanging loosely over her shoulders , she was dressed in the oversized clothes Lewis had provided . The T shirt and pants were far too big for her , their loose fit emphasizing her slender frame , but they were soft and carried the faint , comforting scent of freshly laundered fabric . Stepping out of the bathroom , Doris was greeted by the aroma of something savory . Her stomach immediately growled in response . Doris walked to the living room and picked up the ice pack , pressing it gently against her swollen cheek . In the kitchen , Lewis was standing at the island counter , his movements crisp and efficient as he placed a steaming plate of spaghetti bolognese on the dining table beside it . Come here , he called to her . Doris hesitated for a second before stepping closer . Her eyes landed on the plate of pasta , the rich aroma wafting up to tease her senses . The involuntarily auce glistened under the soft lighting , and the dish looked so inviting it made her stomach growl She swallowed hard , the hunger she had been ignoring now impossible to suppress . There wasnt much else in the kitchen , so youll have to make do with this , Lewis said , pushing the plate and a fork toward her . Doris blinked , her expression almost questioning . You … made this ? For me ? He leaned casually against the edge of the solid wood table , his strong hands resting on the surface . Didnt you say you were hungry ? Taking his words as permission , Doris sat down and dug in without hesitation . The first bite melted on her tongue , the perfect balance of tangy tomato and aromatic spices flooding her senses . Before she realized it , tears began to spill from her eyes , sliding down her cheeks and Landing into the bowl . Whats with the tears ? Lewis frowned , his brow furrowing as he reached for a box of tissues . He slid it across the table to her , his tone faintly teasing . I didnt bully you , did 1 ? Doris let out a watery laugh , her teary eyes shimmering under the light . Her delicate features , paired with her vulnerability . made her look heartbreakingly lovely . Its just … this spaghetti is so good , she said , her voice trembling but earnest . Lewiss lips quirked into a faint smile . Not everyone gets to try my cooking , but you dont have to get that emotional about it . He reached for a wine glass , pouring a modest amount of deep red wine that swirled like velvet in the light . Doris hesitated as she watched him . Isnt it bad to drink so late at night ? Not if its a little red wine before bed , Lewis replied smoothly , swirling the glass with practiced ease . The dark liquid fanned Chapter 6 out in mesmerizing patterns , rich and inviting . Its good for your health if you dont overdo it Doris studied him for a moment , her thoughts drifting . Hes so young , and hes already into wellness? Who would ve thought ? she pondered . Lewis noticed her scrape the last bit of pasta from the plate , his smile deepening . You really enjoyed it , hubr Mr. Hartman , she said , turning to him with a rare spark of playfulness . She gave him a thumbs up . Your cooking is incredible . Im impressed . Ill do the dishes From the living room , Lewis sat on the couch and watched her tidy up the kitchen , his gaze lingering on her graceful movements . The soft light outlined the genile curve of her back , her presence somehow warming the otherwise starkly modern space . He took a slow sip of wine , the rich flavor grounding him as he observed her . When Doris finished , she turned back toward him , wiping her hands on a towel . Come here , Lewis said again , his tone softer this time . Doris approached and sat down beside him . He reached for a small medical kit hed placed on the coffee table , flipping it open with practiced precision . You need to treat that check , he said , taking out a tube of ointment . He squeezed a dollop onto a cotton swab and leaned in . The distance between them closed quickly . His hand moved with confident case as he dabbed the ointment onto her swollen skin , his touch surprisingly gentle . Their breaths mingled in the quiet space , the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the clean , slightly sterile aroma of the ointment . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!