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?"

expect her to sacrifice her education and career to

through school?"

a beat. "I'd let go of

sets you apart from

"You don't need to doubt yourself; you're

won't change anything at

from her

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

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

to handle,"

on and take care of your business," he added, his demeanor gracious and

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

his voice.

unwavering support never falters,"

her lips pursed in quiet determination. "It's the least I can offer," she replied

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

her high

refused to materialize, leaving her

felt as though her memories were imprisoned behind a locked door. She

to the

be," cthe gentle advice, a beacon of solace amidst the

arrived at the hotel, Damien gracefully opened the car door and lifted

lost," he began, his voice gentle yet

control."

are theirs to resolve; we can

"What other options do we have?" she

in a

heavy with empathy for their friend's

it's crucial for both parties to find common ground; meddling too much can often

added to Cherise's growing sense

the hotel, Damien left promptly