Marrying the Man in the Dark

“Do you want me to give you face? What good will that do? Will your ‘face’ bring my Mom and Dad back or keep Cherry’s mom safe? Come on, Tris!”

Silence hung heavy, punctuated by Tristan’s stunned blink. He knew Damien wouldn’t be easy, but this? Not even a sliver of consideration?

Meanwhile, Maeve, perched on the sofa, arched an eyebrow. “Hey, Dame, give the guy a break. Tristan’s practically begging. Don’t be so mean.”

Damien’s laugh was like a cold wind. His eyes, once warm, turned into glaciers. “What if it was YOU he was pleading for? Would you cave just because Tris pulled this act? Would you let Raymond walk just because he’s on his knees?”

Maeve, with pursed lips, shook her head. “I wouldn’t agree, but I wouldn’t ice him out like this either.”

Tristan knew his cousins clung to the past, just like him. He couldn’t forget how his dad, Raymond, carved up his eye with a knife all those years ago.

Taking a deep breath, he glanced at Damien and asked, “Can I go in?”

Damien nodded.

pivoted and nudged the door

the hospital room, Raymond wore an oxygen mask, his face displaying a palette of bruises, all inflicted

heart skipped a beat. It was Tristan. Tears streamed down his face in an instant. Words choked

his eyes. “Surprised I dropped by? I have

yours. Guess what? They got kicked out of the Miles and are homeless now. The Lenoirs aren’t taking him

fear trembling

your money once you kick the bucket. As for me, I’ve said my piece and done

uncontrollably, his eyes pleading with Tristan, silently begging him not to abandon

eye five years ago, you should’ve known I wouldn’t be playing the obedient son. I’ve done what I had to do for you. This mess is on

threw those words out, rose with an icy demeanor, and walked away without a backward glance.

hospital room, Tristan kept his silence with Damien.