Marrying the Man in the Dark

Beckham prepared a new dress for Cherise to match her hair. Hesitant, she slipped into the white dress, feeling strangely self–conscious. Playing with the puffy sleeves, she asked, “Do you think… I look strange or awkward in this dress?”

At sixteen or seventeen, Cherise wouldn’t have dared to dream of owning a dress like this. Back then, living with her hardworking uncle and aunt in the countryside, she was sensible enough to know that expensive clothes were a luxury they couldn’t afford.

Now, her financial situation had changed, but…well, her age hadn’t. Staring at her reflection, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place.

“Mommy, you look so beautiful! Just like me!” Beside her, Serafina, wearing a children’s version of the same dress, beamed.

Mother and daughter, both in white dresses and pigtails, looked exactly alike, with one being a miniature version of the other.

Damien burst into laughter, unable to contain himself. Cherise, playfully pouting, glanced down at her outfit. “Do I look like a clown?”

walking towards her like a lovesick fool. “Nah, just… happy,” he admitted, squeezing her hand. “Seeing you in that dress and

your hair? You had the biggest, roundest eyes that blinked at me all the time.”

was all pigtails, braids, and innocent doe–eyed looks. Five years later, she had grown into a stunning woman, but somewhere along the way, something had changed. Seeing her in the dress

his chair. “Hey, it’s dinnertime! And you lovebirds, can the secret talk

an eyebrow. “Cartoon

after the

turned to Soren and Serafina. “Do you mind if

jumped up, clapping her hands in

“Fine, if she says so, I

adventure. However, Cherise felt a pang