Chapter 9 Doris hadnt noticed that Lewiss expression had darkened further , a storm cloud settling over his face . She continued , oblivious to his growing displeasure . Its great to be rich , isnt it ? Luxury cars at their beck and call , complete with chauffeurs and bodyguards . Meanwhile , people like me are up at the crack of dawn , dragging ourselves half asleep onto crammed subways and buses . Being broke is just miserable . You tell me , how is life so unfair ? Her words grated on Lewiss nerves . They struck a chord he didnt want to acknowledge . You want to be rich ? he asked , his voice turning frostier , carrying an edge she couldnt miss . Doris took a sip of water , as if to wash away the bitterness of her reality . Who doesnt ? If I had money , I wouldnt have to do this soul crushing eight to six grind every day . Working myself to the bone for scraps ? No , thank you . With money , half my problems would disappear In her mind , wealth meant freedom a cozy apartment she could call her own , a sanctuary where she could finally breathe . That was why she worked so hard , saving every penny , determined to make her dream a reality . But to Lewis , her words painted a different picture entirely . Is she just looking for an easy way out ? A shortcut to success ? he thought , his disdain settling deeper . I cant stand people who are greedy and lazy . Though his face betrayed nothing , his internal judgment was harsh . Well , he said coolly , maybe you Hartman family heir instead of me . That would make you rich and solve all your problems in an instant . The comment blindsided Doris , and she choked on her water , coughing uncontrollably . I marry t Her eyes darted to Lewis , guilt flickering in her gaze . She had , after all , once boasted to Lola about wanting to marry the Hartman family heir . How could he hit so close to the mark ? she wondered . Snapping back to reality , she quickly explained , The Hartman family heir ? Thats a pipe dream . Im just an ordinary person , and hes way out of my league . Id never delude myself with something so unrealistic . Glad to see youre at least self aware , Lewis said sharply , his piercing gaze sweeping over her . Most troubles come from greed and unchecked desires . Doris blinked in confusion , his words throwing her off balance . Is he saying Im greedy ? That I want too much ? she wondered . Then she tilted her head and asked , Mr. Hartman , Im curious . What kind of woman do you think would be lucky enough to marry someone like the heir of the Hartman family ? Lewiss reply was as cold as steel . Definitely not someone like you . His words cut deeper than she expected . Whats that supposed to mean ? What do you mean , someone like me ? she shot back , indignant . Youre not his type , Lewis answered matter of factly , as if it were the most obvious truth in the world . And how would you know that ? Doris pressed , suspicious . Because I just know , Lewis thought , though he didnt voice it aloud . Undeterred , she pushed on . Youre not the Hartman family heir , and hes never even met me . How would he know what type I am ? Whos to say he wouldnt fall head over heels for me at first sight ? Lewis rose abruptly , his face growing colder by the second . His tone was clipped and dismissive . Go to bed . Dream all you want . 13:04 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 9 The underlying message was crystal clear . He smirked inwardly . Stop daydreaming . Theres no way someone like me would As he walked away , leaving her stunned and confused , Doris stared after him , trying to piece together what had just happened . She pondered . Moments ago , everything was fine . So why did Lewis suddenly turn so cold ? The next morning . Doris woke up early , deciding to treat herself to a homemade breakfast . While the hotel offered complimentary staff meals , shed grown weary of the monotony . Today , she planned to whip up some quesadillas a recipe that had tantalized her taste buds the previous night while scrolling through Tik Tok . Meanwhile , Lewis maintained his unyielding routine , returning from his morning run drenched in sweat , exuding an aura of raw masculinity . Every move he made seemed calculated to mesmerize . He was a walking enigma , radiating a kind of magnetic pull that Doris found impossible to ignore . After his shower , he emerged in a crisp white shirt that clung perfectly to his athletic frame , hinting at the well defined muscles beneath . Draped casually over his strong arm was a black suit jacket , its elegance a striking contrast to his powerful presence . Doris stole a glance at him , unable to stop her thoughts . Hes just a regular guy , isnt he ? So why does he look like he walked straight out of a luxury magazine ? Elegant and refined , yet so unattainable , she mused . Lewis placed his jacket on the sofa with effortless grace before pulling out a chair and sitting down . Whats that ? he asked , his sharp sense of smell catching the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen . Quesadillas , Doris replied with a cheerful smile . Theyre delicious . Want to try some , Mr. Hartman ? No , thank you . His tone was polite but firm . Lewis had a strict aversion to high carb foods , and this was no exception . Doris , undeterred , picked up her fork , taking a generous bite . Her eyes fluttered shut as a blissful expression spread across her face , the kind of joy that could only come from truly savoring food . She looked as if shed stumbled upon the greatest culinary treasure . Unlike the high society women Lewis was accustomed to , Doris didnt obsess over decorum or appearances . There was a refreshing honesty in the way she ate , unbothered by pretense . Even something as simple as quesadillas seemed to bring her genuine happiness . Is it really that good ! Lewis asked , his skepticism evident . Of course . The cheese and spices are balanced perfectly . The texture is divine , Doris insisted , practically glowing with enthusiasm . You should really give it a try . Reluctantly , Lewis sighed , Fine , Ill try a little . Theres some left in the kitchen . Ill get you a plate , Doris chirped , rising to fetch him a portion Watching her walk away , Lewis called after her . Just a small piece is fine . Moments later , Doris returned , placing a modest serving of quesadillas in front of him . Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she urged him silently to take a bite . Lewis hesitated , picking up his fork with all the enthusiasm of a man facing a monumental challenge . Why did I agree to this ? If I dont eat now , itll seem like Im te her effort . Its just one bite . How bad can it be ? he thought . Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 9 After a brief internal pep talk , he speared a small piece and cautiously brought it to his mouth . 87 % 1 He chewed slowly , his initial frown softening as the flavors unfolded . The rich , melty cheese combined with perfectly spiced. seasoning in a way that awakened his palate . It was unlike anything hed ever tasted . Well ? Doris asked , her voice brimming with expectation . Its good , right ? Its …. a … acceptable , Lewis replied , attempting to downplay the fact that he was genuinely impressed . Doris beamed , her smile brighter than the morning sun , and returned to enjoying her meal with unabashed delight . By the time Lewis noticed , the small plate in front of him was completely empty . After breakfast , Lewis pulled out his sleek leather wallet , extracted a black card , and placed it on the table in front of Doris . The card gleamed faintly under the morning light , its simplicity exuding quiet luxury . Whats this supposed to mean ? Doris asked , her brows furrowing in confusion as she glanced between the card and Lewis . Lewis explained , his tone calm yet matter of fact , Since were living together now , Ill transfer money into this card every month for household expenses . If its not enough , let me know , and Ill adjust . Anything extra you need for the house , Ill cover separately . The PIN is six nines . His explanation carried a sense of responsibility that momentarily stunned Doris . There was no arrogance , no strings attached just an unspoken belief that providing was his duty as a married man . So , hes the type of man who takes responsibility seriously , Doris thought , a hint of unexpected admiration creeping her heart . into I originally said we wouldnt have to live together after marriage , yet here I am intruding in your space , she murmured with a self deprecating smile , surprised by the sudden change of plans . Youve already been kind enough not to laugh at me . And now youre offering me money … She hesitated , then continued , I was planning to rent a place before all of this , but since Im staying here now , consider household expenses as my rent . You really dont need to give me extra money . any Lewis arched a brow , his voice taking on a sharp edge of authority . Have you ever heard of a wife paying her husband rent ? Her checks flushed at the implication . But were not a real couple , she countered quickly , feeling that they were more like roommates . Lewis leaned forward , bracing both hands on the edge of the table , his gaze narrowing with a teasing glint . His lips curled into a sly smirk Thinking of making it real , are you ? His gaze was sharp , filled with unspoken meaning , and his thoughts echoed , What a clever little ploy Doris felt her face heat like wildfire . Her checks turned a deep crimson , reminiscent of blooming roses under the summer . sun , both dazzling and unmissable . She instinctively took a step back , waving her hands frantically in denial . You misunderstood , she stammered , her voice rising an octave . Lewis straightened , the smirk never leaving his face . If you dont want me to misunderstand , then take the card . He took his tailored suit jacket from the sofa and shrugged it on with an air of finality . Left with no other choice , Doris reluctantly took the card . Ill take it , she said . Her movements were deliberate , as if to prove that accepting the card meant nothing more than practicality . This should at least show him I have no ulterior motives , she thought Lewis nodded , his voice turning businesslike . Im usually swamped with work . You might have to take on more 13:04 Wed , 26 Feb A Chapter 9 responsibilities around the house . I wont have much time to help , but I can make up for it financially His tone was so pragmatic it left no room for argument . Doris could see the truth in his words . Unknown to her , Lewis had only recently returned to the country to take up his new position . Now , as someone in such at high ranking role , he was quite busy and his work understandably occupied much of his time . Alright , she agreed with a firm nod . Inwardly , she mused , A home requires effort from both sides , not endless giving from one while the other only takes . If he provides financially , Ill make sure the home is well taken care of . I believe we can make this work at the very least , itll be far easier than living under my parents rool . Later , on her way to work , Doris caught sight of the same Rolls Royce passing by the subway station . The glossy black finish reflected the sunlight like a mirror , exuding understated opulence . That car costs more than Ill ever make in a lifetime , she thought , a bitter smile tugging at her lips . Better stick to the grind and focus on earning my own living . In the afternoon , as Doris finally found a moment to breathe at work , her phone buzzed with an incoming call from her mother . Doris answered it with a mix of surprise and unease . Doris , Im at the entrance of your hotel . Peytons voice came through , tinged with urgency . Do you have time to come out and talk ? AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!