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

through school?"

a beat. "I'd let

what sets you apart

reassuring, "You don't need to

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

from her might take

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

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

handle," he remarked

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

he cast a grateful glance at Cherise. "You're still the same, always there when I need you," he said,

his voice.

unwavering support never falters," he acknowledged

quiet determination. "It's the least I

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

memories of her high school

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

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

to the

be," cthe gentle advice, a beacon of

the hotel, Damien gracefully opened the car door and lifted

began, his voice gentle yet firm, "the

control."

are theirs to resolve; we can only

"What other options do

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

Cherise agreed softly, her heart heavy with empathy for

find common ground;

to

the hotel, Damien left promptly after receiving a call from