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?"

would you expect her to sacrifice

through school?"

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

sets you

need to doubt yourself;

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

from her might take

"Even if you can't forget, it's okay.

with effortless poise. "You've made the journey back to Shawbury; I'm sure you've got

to handle," he

care of your business," he added, his demeanor gracious

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

his voice.

trouble, your unwavering support

her lips pursed in quiet determination. "It's the least

head against the cool glass of the

memories of her high school

shadows, the recollections refused to materialize, leaving her

behind a locked door. She

access to the forgotten

beacon of solace amidst

gracefully opened the car door and

he began, his voice gentle

control."

between Steve and Savannah are theirs

into Damien's comforting embrace. "What other options do we have?" she

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

heavy with empathy for their friend's

to find common ground; meddling too much can often

to Cherise's

at the hotel, Damien left promptly after