Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1051 A Mystery Call

Cherise's eyes widened as she asked, "If I had feelings for someone else back then, would you have letgo?"

Damien's voice was firm as he replied, "Il wouldn't have allowed anyone to cbetween us. I would have ensured that person

regretted ever stepping into your life, and I would have done whatever it took to keep you by my side."

Cherise's silence spoke volumes as she processed Damien's words.

"Your confidence is truly admirable," Damien acknowledged.

Cherise couldn't grasp Damien's intentions, but Steve understood them effortlessly.

"You've got the confidence, the charm, the belief that Cherise wouldn't look twice at anyone else," he said, a wry smile playing on

his lips as he lowered his head. "But me? I'm cut from a different cloth."

"Winning her heart with my appearance alone? That's nothing but a pipe dream," Steve confessed, his tone tinged with self-doubt

as he glanced down at the coffee table.

"Why do you say that?" Cherise retorted, frustration evident in her voice as she slammed her hand on the coffee table.

"Your love for her surpasses Trent's, despite your unconventional looks," Cherise remarked, her tone gentle yet firm.

Steve was visibly surprised, meeting Cherise's gaze with uncertainty. "Is that really how you see it?"

"Do I love her more than Trent?" Steve asked, seeking validation.

"Absolutely," Cherise affirmed, her conviction unwavering.

Gritting her teeth, she continued, "You think Trent's a better match for her, but have you ever stopped to think?"

financially challenged, would you expect her to sacrifice her education

through school?"

for a beat. "I'd let go of my own ambitions,"

you apart

pursed her lips, reassuring, "You don't need to

his gaze distant. "Words won't change anything at this point," he murmured, setting down his cup with a

from her

"Even if you can't forget, it's okay. I've learned to

seat with effortless poise. "You've made

to handle," he remarked

your business," he added,

Cherise. "You're still the same, always there when I need you,"

his voice.

trouble, your unwavering support never

in quiet determination. "It's

head against the cool glass of the car window. Her eyelids fell shut in an attempt

memories of her high school

leaving her grasping

as though her memories were imprisoned behind a locked door. She stood before it, searching for the

access to the forgotten

beacon of solace amidst the labyrinth of

gracefully opened the

he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "the current

control."

theirs to resolve; we can only

embrace. "What other options do we have?" she sighed,

"Steve's in a difficult spot," he acknowledged

heart heavy with empathy

crucial for both parties to find common ground; meddling too much

words added to Cherise's growing

promptly after receiving