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.”

gaze, looked intently at Cherise, and said gravely,

of your life as a

remember, Damien must stay away from

bit her lip, held Charisa’s hand and was at a loss for words.

made great sacrifices

Damien was genuinely willing to

perhaps there was still a glimmer of hope

after leaving the hospital room.

you want to meet?”

“Okay,”

Damien agreed to meet at her favorite coffee

last time

of coffee that broke her heart that

felt an eerie sense of familiarity upon returning

had finished her coffee, Damien

seen him for a week.

lost weight and

admired how he wore the familiar black suit neatly while his face was adorned with

eyes and croaked out her name,

the first time Cherise heard him call her with such

“Hmm.”

her head a little, trying to muster