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?”

“Nah, just… happy,” he admitted, squeezing her hand. “Seeing you in that dress and hairstyle, it’s

and braid your hair? You had the biggest, roundest

something had changed. Seeing her in

the secret talk wait until after we eat? Grandpa promised to take Sera and me to Cartoon

eyebrow. “Cartoon City?”

I promised the little ones after the wedding. Gotta keep those promises, you know?”

Serafina. “Do you mind if Mommy and I join you on your Cartoon City adventure?”

up, clapping her hands in delight.

“Fine, if she

lunch, Beckham began preparing everyone for their Cartoon City adventure. However, Cherise felt a pang of self–consciousness in her whimsical dress and pigtails.