Marrying the Man in the Dark

“This too shall pass.”

Lucy gently patted her back and sighed deeply, “Everything always does.”

“Cherry, it’s up to you whether the grudges from previous generations should affect your feelings. for Damien, Lucy said.

In the days that followed, Damien respectfully kept his distance from Cherise.

She underwent surgery, faced nightmares alone, and visited Charisa – all alone.

“Cherry,” Charisa said, leaning against her bed’s headboard and smiling. “Don’t let my issues affect your life.”

“Mom…”

Cherise’s mind wandered as she gazed out the window. “I have been absent from your life for nineteen years.”

“In your future, too, I’ll remain absent.”

“Your dad is no different – he’s not one to take care of others.”

“Acknowledging him requires dividing your attention, and it’s not glamorous.”

intently at

this period of your

stay away from

lip, held Charisa’s hand and was at a

both made great sacrifices

had thought that Damien was genuinely willing to sever ties with Maeve.

perhaps there was still a

Damien after leaving the hospital room.

you want to

“Okay,”

meet at her favorite coffee

last time she was

had made her drink a cup of coffee that broke her heart

eerie sense of familiarity upon returning here.

she had finished her coffee, Damien walked

hadn’t seen him for a week.

weight and looked noticeably worn out.

black suit neatly while his face was adorned with light stubble.

at her with obsidian eyes and croaked out her name,

heard him call her with

“Hmm.”

her head a little, trying to muster