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.”

Charisa lowered her gaze, looked intently at Cherise, and said gravely, “I suggest you…”

period of your life

Damien must stay away from

Charisa’s hand and was

parents had both made great sacrifices

genuinely willing to sever ties with Maeve.

still a glimmer of

Damien after leaving the hospital

you want to meet?”

“Okay,”

meet

last

had made her drink a cup of coffee that broke

of familiarity upon

had finished her coffee, Damien walked

hadn’t seen him

lost weight and looked noticeably worn out.

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

with obsidian eyes and croaked out her name, “Cherry,” still radiating profound affection.

was the first time Cherise heard him

“Hmm.”

her head a little, trying to muster