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.

couldn’t bear to watch. She turned away, discreetly wiping away tears that threatened to

bringing with it aging, sickness, and, ultimately, death. Neither the doctors nor she could alter the inevitable course of nature. All she could do was provide comfort and support

open, and Damien and his groomsmen charged in, their

been plotting playful pranks to pull before the

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

Damien’s eagle eyes. With a swift, practiced move, he pinned Lucy to the bed and reached

Lucy had anticipated Mandy and Jacob’s quick reflexes. They captured the entire scene with

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placed under

amusement. “This photo is

group. “If Lennon ever tries to pull a runner on Lucy, we’ll release this photo

stood there speechless, their faces burning

Damien. “There’s no way any embarrassing photos of you and another

Kneeling before Cherise, he gently slipped them onto her feet. “The only photos like that

her with a playful glint. “If you want everyone to