Chapter 4
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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 didn’t 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.
Peyton’s eyes lit up as she unfolded the dress, her delight unmistakable. “It’s beautiful. This must’ve cost a fortune.
“Mom, as long as you like it, the price doesn’t 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. “Yes. I just got paid, and I noticed you’ve been wearing the same pair of leather shoes for years, so I thought
Before she could finish, Jimmy snatched the shoes from Peyton’s hands and flung them onto the floor. “What’s the point of all this? Do you think this is what I want? What I want is for you to marry Mr. Watson.”
“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. Jimmy’s 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”
Jimmy’s 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. Watson.”
The next morning, Doris left for work earlier than usual.
had worked in the Food and Beverage Department at
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 Ryan’s own. That night had turned Doris into the butt of
a boyfriend was one thing, but losing her
into the grand hotel lobby with her head held high. She thought. As long
1/4
Chapter 4
glances Some whispered in hushed tones, but
greeted those she passed with her professional, practiced
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
carved out a moment
shared everything Lola, though born into privilege. rarely talked about her wealthy family. Instead, she carved her own path.
hotel management at university, Lola joined Hampstone Hotel. It was partly out of passion and partly because she was determined not to rely
instincts, she had climbed the ladder quickly, becoming the front desk manager at a
impossible to ignore Admirers flocked to her in droves, and they all seemed to have fat wallets..
Lola wasn’t the type to be swept off her feet by money. For
murmured, popping a delicate butter cookie
Doris offered earnestly,
dark circles shadowing Doris’s eyes. A flicker of concern crossed
fine,” Doris said, brushing off the question a little too quickly. Then, as if to stop further probing, she added. “It has nothing to
easily deterred. The mention of him brought the Watson
of anger passed over Lola’s radiant face. “I still can’t believe Ryan turned out to be such trash. The
I’d been there, I swear I would’ve
at the sight of Lola swinging her fists
laughing? After everything he’s done to you?” Lola stared at her incredulously, before reaching out to press
heartbroken at first, of course. But if I think about it, I’m grateful. At least I saw
He doesn’t deserve my tears. I’ll live my life, focus on my work, and without him? I’ll
she burst into applause. “Bravo. That’s the spirit. Let’s crush it in our careers and let
couldn’t resist proving a point, Doris’s phone
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Wed, 26 Feli
Chapter 1
cund in disgust.
disgust as she said, “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding
tone was cool and detached. “Mr. Watson, we’re done. There’s no reason for
reply, she ended the call and promptly
beamed with approval, giving her a prond thumbs–up.
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