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

through school?"

let go of

what sets you apart

to doubt yourself; you're

at this point," he murmured, setting down his cup with a

her might

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

effortless poise. "You've made the journey back to Shawbury;

handle," he

of your business," he added,

the same, always there

his voice.

unwavering support never falters," he

quiet determination. "It's the least

glass of

of her high school

elusive shadows, the recollections refused to materialize, leaving her grasping at the fleeting remnants of

a locked door. She stood before it, searching for the key

access to the forgotten

cthe gentle advice, a beacon of solace

at the hotel, Damien gracefully

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

control."

Steve and Savannah are theirs

options do we have?" she sighed,

a difficult

heart heavy with empathy for their friend's

parties to find common ground; meddling too much can often

to Cherise's

the hotel, Damien left promptly after receiving a call from the