Marrying the Man in the Dark

Cherise pursed her lips, puzzled by Damien’s strange behavior that night.

She pushed open the door in front of her, taking the lead as she stepped into the elevator.

However, to her surprise, after stepping out when she reached the first floor, she found herself surrounded by a crowd of people.

“Mrs. Lenoir! This is a small token of apology from our newspaper to you!”

“Mrs. Lenoir, we have prepared a gift for you that we hope you will like! Please accept it!”

“Mrs. Lenoir…”

Amidst the chorus of “Mrs. Lenoir,” a tantalizing aroma of drumsticks wafted through the air…

Cherise furrowed her brow, noticing that each person in the crowd was holding a large bouquet.

However, these bouquets were not filled with flowers.

Instead, they were packed with drumsticks.

Grilled, fried, and coated with various sauces and seasonings…

were artfully arranged to resemble bouquets, some even adorned with

herself encircled by

gnawed at her with every inch of her body, threatening to overthrow any sense of decorum. The juicy drumsticks looked so succulent, and the smell and sight

drumstick from even just one person, she would be obliged to accept all the drumsticks

gazed at the crowd before her.

line of people offering her drumsticks extended from the elevator door

to consume these drumsticks for one to two

sense of despair washed over

born of hunger and a desire to eat to her heart’s wishes and the paradoxical situation because she

“Everyone.”

spoke calmly, “Everyone is overly enthusiastic, and my wife

of you set down the drumsticks and leave your business cards on the table by the door. I will remember everyone’s names, and

people have but to comply with Damien’s instructions?

bouquets on the pristine table, followed by leaving their business cards on top of the

drumsticks were set down, and more and more business cards

was overflowing

the crowd dispersed, Cherise massaged her temples, pondering what

couldn’t be frozen and were challenging to store.

the approaching autumn, the lingering summer heat would undoubtedly spoil them within a few days.