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?"

in Savannah's shoes, financially challenged, would you expect her to sacrifice her education and career to

through school?"

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

you

pursed her lips, reassuring, "You don't need to doubt yourself; you're just as

won't change anything at this point," he murmured, setting

on from her

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

rose from his seat with effortless poise. "You've made the journey back

handle," he

take care of your business," he

cast a grateful glance at Cherise. "You're still the same, always there

his voice.

times of trouble, your unwavering support never falters,"

quiet determination. "It's the least I

traveled back, Cherise rested her head against the cool glass of the car window. Her eyelids fell

of her high school

refused to materialize, leaving

behind a locked door. She stood before it, searching

to the

a beacon

gracefully opened

memory hadn't been lost," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "the current situation would still be beyond

control."

continued, "The issues between Steve and Savannah are theirs to resolve; we can

sank into Damien's comforting embrace. "What other options do we

gaze softened. "Steve's in a difficult spot," he acknowledged

her heart heavy with empathy

to find common ground; meddling too

words added to Cherise's growing sense

left promptly after receiving a