Marrying the Man in the Dark

A flicker of surprise ignited in Cherise’s eyes, quickly replaced by a spark of curiosity.

She immediately strolled over and gently clasped Charisa’s hand. “Mom,” she inquired, her voice laced with eagerness, “tell me about your wedding to Dad. Grandpa always said you two were childhood sweethearts, so it must have been a magical day, right?”

“Our wedding…” Charisa trailed off, her gaze drifting into the distance, her eyes reflecting nostalgia.

Her wedding to Beckham was a memory etched in her heart, a vivid recollection from twenty- one years ago.

Back then, she was brimming with youthful exuberance and dreams of a shared future. She envisioned growing old with him, hand in hand, their lives intertwined in a tapestry of happiness.

They had stood before God, exchanging vows of eternal love, promising to remain inseparable, their hearts entwined in an unbreakable bond.

But fate, in its capricious nature, had other plans….

A sudden coughing fit seized Charisa, her breath catching in her throat. Zachary, ever vigilant, swiftly extended a handkerchief.

Charisa covered her mouth, a cough racking her body. The white handkerchief came away stained with bright red blood.

turned away, discreetly wiping away

the doctors nor she could alter the inevitable course of nature. All she could do was provide comfort and

his groomsmen charged in, their faces flushed with excitement and

been plotting playful pranks to pull before the wedding, including hiding the bride’s heels.

tied one of Cherise’s shoes to her ankle, the voluminous skirt of her bridesmaid’s dress concealing

swift, practiced move, he pinned Lucy to

Lucy had anticipated Mandy and Jacob’s quick reflexes. They captured the entire scene with a click and a flash, forever immortalizing the moment Lennon pinned

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placed

like fireworks, her sides aching from amusement. “This

group. “If Lennon ever tries to pull a

speechless, their faces burning with embarrassment.

turned to Damien. “There’s no way any embarrassing photos of you and another woman will be making an appearance

and took the heels from Lennon. Kneeling before Cherise, he gently

that, he looked up at her with a playful glint. “If you want everyone to see, I