Marrying the Man in the Dark

Yolanda’s voice dripped with flirtation in the delicate cocoon of her ear. “Damien, you mentioned you’d come over once Cherise drifts into slumber. When might that be?”

“I’m a bit weary. When do you think Cherise will doze off?”

“Why not utilize the sleeping pills you’ve prepared? Didn’t you prepare them?”

Cherise offered no reply.

She simply listened, her silence a canvas for Yolanda’s monologue, punctuated by soft utterances of “Mm,” “Ah,” “Okay.”

“Excellent. Let’s convene at our usual haunt tomorrow!”

Confronted with Yolanda’s buoyant tone, Cherise sighed inwardly, rubbing her temples. “Ms. Weiss.”

Finally, Yolanda exclaimed through the line, “You are…”

“I am Cherise.”

With the phone nestled in her palm, Cherise sighed again, her brow furrowing.

While she didn’t consider her initial “hello” particularly loud, it wasn’t muted.

If her voice reached Yolanda’s ears, why did Yolanda persist in this charade?

Cherise never fathomed her softened tone, which could mirror Damien’s deep timbre.

knowingly played this game, which is evident

carefully chosen words was evident.

faint smile. “Ms. Weiss, I presumed your late call was in pursuit of an accord regarding the issue of the shares with

I, too, wish for an amicable

of words only muddies the waters between you

husband maintains a distance from you.”

tone turned icy. “It’s late, Ms. Weiss. Rest well. Perhaps in your dreams, you’ll succeed in winning over

retort, Cherise

between her and Damien with

No way!

“Finished?”

car door swung open at an indeterminate time. Damien stood outside, exuding the scent of tobacco and the chill of the night air, a smile gracing

checks flushed crimson. “You… you heard

“Mhmm.”

His imposing frame once again enveloped Cherise.

him. “I’ve told

you’ll always be my dear, my