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?”

took off his apron, walking towards her like a lovesick fool. “Nah, just… happy,” he admitted, squeezing her hand. “Seeing you in that dress and hairstyle, it’s like time has gone

you used to wear pigtails and braid your hair? You had the biggest, roundest eyes

stunning woman, but somewhere along the way, something had changed. Seeing her

“Hey, it’s dinnertime! And you lovebirds, can the secret talk wait until after we eat? Grandpa promised to take Sera and me

an eyebrow. “Cartoon

after the wedding. Gotta

if Mommy

hands in delight. “Of course! Sera

“Fine, if she says so, I guess I’ll allow it…

Cartoon City adventure. However, Cherise felt