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 education and career to support

through school?"

beat. "I'd let go of my own

sets you

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

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

her might

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

"You've made the journey back to Shawbury; I'm

to handle,"

of your business," he added,

the same, always there when I need you,"

his voice.

times of trouble, your unwavering support never falters,"

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

against the cool glass of the car window. Her eyelids fell

memories of her high school

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

imprisoned behind a locked door. She stood before

to the forgotten

a beacon of solace amidst the labyrinth of her

at the hotel, Damien gracefully opened the car door and

hadn't been lost," he began, his voice gentle yet

control."

Savannah are theirs to resolve; we can only offer support from

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

"Steve's in a difficult spot," he acknowledged with

agreed softly, her heart heavy with empathy for their

parties to find common ground; meddling too

to Cherise's

the hotel, Damien left promptly after receiving a call