Marrying the Man in the Dark

As the discussion drew to a close, Lennon prepared to depart when Alexis, clad in the white sportswear provided by Cherise, hurried downstairs to summon Damien. “Damien, Cherise wants you upstairs!”

Damien arched an eyebrow inquisitively. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“She found a commemorative album and wants to discuss some things from the past with you,” Alexis explained.

Raising an eyebrow, Damien sensed the significance behind Cherise’s mention of the commemorative album.

Damien agreed to go upstairs. “Alright, I’ll head up now,” he said, turning to Lennon with an apologetic nod. “Sorry, I have something to attend to. I won’t be able to see you off.”

Lennon waved off the apology. “No problem, go ahead.”

As Damien ascended the stairs, Lennon couldn’t help but notice Cherise’s adopted child leaning against the railing and staring at him intently.

Frowning slightly, Lennon addressed the child. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Alexis didn’t hesitate to express his disdain for Lennon. “I think you’re ugly,” he declared bluntly.

“Compared to Damien, you’re much uglier.”

The straightforward insult took Lennon aback.

here

him speechless and uncertain about how

you think I won’t

“Pfft, I bet you

and Cherise are really amazing!” Alexis boasted

remained silent, his anger simmering

a while since he had been provoked, and he didn’t expect

“They won’t always be around. When I get

Alexis continued to make faces at Lennon while leaning on

his eyes in exasperation, Lennon turned away, feeling a mix of frustration and determination.

album tenderly, “is a collection of memories I’ve gathered for our second wedding

photo album they held together.

earnestness, her gaze fixed on each image as Damien narrated their significance.

she exclaimed excitedly when they reached a page featuring her in bridal attire.

at herself in the dress and remarked, “I looked

eyes lingering on the photo.

trying on her wedding

the event, marred by bloodshed, prevented them from