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.

nudged the door

Raymond wore an oxygen mask, his face displaying a palette of bruises, all inflicted by

was Tristan. Tears streamed down his face in an instant. Words choked his

beside him with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes.

the kid with Patricia? Yeah, turns out he’s yours. Guess what? They got kicked out of the Miles and are homeless now. The Lenoirs aren’t taking

breath hitched, fear trembling

you kick the bucket. As for me, I’ve said my piece and done my part. When you’re gone,

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

a faint smile, “Since the day you took my 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 you, and there’s no turning back. The consequences

threw those words out, rose with an icy demeanor, and walked away

Tristan kept his silence with Damien.