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?"

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

through school?"

"I'd let go of my own ambitions," he

you

lips, reassuring, "You don't need to doubt yourself;

faintly, his gaze distant. "Words won't change anything at this point," he murmured,

her

can't forget, it's okay. I've learned to accept it,"

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

to handle," he remarked

your business," he added, his demeanor gracious

always there when I need

his voice.

trouble, your unwavering support never falters," he acknowledged

quiet determination. "It's the least I can offer,"

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

of her high school

materialize, leaving her grasping at the fleeting remnants of the

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

access to

be," cthe gentle advice, a beacon of solace

arrived at the hotel, Damien gracefully opened the car door

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

control."

are theirs to resolve; we can only offer

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

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

softly, her heart heavy with empathy for

find common ground; meddling too

words added to Cherise's growing sense

left promptly