“It’s your fault, right? Didn’t I misunderstand when I saw you and the kids at Mr. Adelmar’s house yesterday?”
Lily frowned and complained, “You’re a smart girl. Do you think it’s nice for us women to cause such misunderstandings? Does it sound good or look good to outsiders?”
Doris remained silent.
Lily’s comment went straight to her heart. She didn’t like it when people misunderstood the situation.
She continued to convince Doris by saying, “Aside from that, you know that my family is trying to set me up with Mr. Adelmar. We’re going to date each other. Do you think it’s appropriate for you to stand in the way?”
“Ms. Thomas, I didn’t obstruct you two. I know my worth and have no illusions about him. How you two want to move forward is entirely up to you. I am not involved in it in any way.”
“But everyone would have misunderstood the circumstances yesterday,” Lily said with a frown.
“When Daniel returned home from your meeting, he told me that the twins weren’t Mr. Adelmar’s. I would have simply given up on him otherwise. Won’t you indirectly ruin his love life?”
Doris wanted to make the case that they weren’t dating, but it was not her place to say that. What does their relationship have to do with her?
She pondered for a moment before asking, “What exactly are you trying to say?”
Lily said softly, “From a female perspective, you should leave Hellion Bay. It’s inappropriate for you and your kids to live in his house.”
Doris was stunned.
I’m thinking about that. Throughout the day, when I’m not cooking, I’ve been thinking about this.
Today, Emmeline checked at least three times to see if I had something on my mind.
Why would Lily worry about this? That’s right, I’m getting in her way. It wouldn’t be in my best interests to stay in Hellion Bay.
“I’d been considering moving out, but I haven’t started to look for a house yet.”
Lily’s eyes lit up, and she grinned broadly. She exclaimed, “I know it! You’re not a fool!”
“I also find it awkward to live with Mr. Adelmar,” Doris said, gazing at the teacup in her hand.
They nearly crossed a line last night, but she wasn’t sure if he was doing it on purpose.
The memory of the incident made her heart race. She was embarrassed to the point of wanting to bury her head in the sand, especially when she realized she had bit his lips.
“Exactly,” Lily continued in agreement with Doris, “you two are from different worlds. You have little in common. It must be awkward to live together.”
Doris was somewhat distracted. She concurred, “Yes. He’s such a lofty man, I get flustered talking to him. How can we be from the same world?”
Lily refilled Doris’ tea and said warmly, “Your mind is clear. Marriage should be between equals. A wealthy man from an elite family is too much for a simple girl like you to handle.”
“You’re making fun of me. I’ve never considered that. We just work together,” Doris said with a light smile.
“I can see that. He’s using you as a shield. There are more reasons for you to move. Isn’t it bad karma to ruin other people’s romantic relationships?”
Doris said nothing, but she thought her words made sense.
Regardless of whether the two are dating, I shouldn’t get involved. I’ll have bad karma for obstructing others’ love lives. It’s something concerning their fate. I can’t disrupt their destiny. I’ll end up with bad karma.
“Anyway, I agree that you should move out as soon as possible,” Lily concluded.
“Okay, I should start looking for a house in the next few days,” said Doris, nodding.
