Marrying the Man in the Dark

After pronouncing those words, he firmly clasped Cherise’s shoulders, guiding her into the car with purpose, and followed suit, enveloping her in his embrace as they settled inside the vehicle.

Throughout the journey, Cherise hurled curses at him, her anger simmering beneath the surface like a tempestuous sea.

Her ire stemmed from Damien’s confining of her freedom and his inexplicable failure to offer an explanation.

Why, she pondered, did he not clarify if he was facing difficulties?

Why did he remain silent if the situation did not align with Sebastian’s depiction?

Given her current feeling explanation he provided.

him, he should have known that she would unquestionably believe any

Yet, he uttered not a single word of clarification.

Did he truly lack an explanation, or did he feel absolved of the obligation to offer one?

What, she questioned, did he perceive her as?

An object?

A pet?

Or perhaps merely a plaything devoid of memories, past, or the capacity for independent thought?

In truth, she harbored doubt regarding Sebastian’s assertions concerning their relationship.

Sebastian was repulsive, while her innate connection lay with

she entertained the notion that the version of herself devoid of memories held affection. for

to reconcile how the former Cherise could have been entangled with Damien amidst an

by the ceaseless internal conflict, she yearned

enigmatic warmth that radiated from Damien, a familiar and foreign warmth

you once knew,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a

and hatred,” she continued, her words trailing like delicate whispers

I cannot… after comprehending the depth of those emotions, I cannot

she exhaled a deep sigh. “Let us part ways, Damien,” she

shall dissolve our union,”

steadfast and unyielding, tightened his grip on her arm. “I refuse,” he declared

eyes. “By what right do you oppose my decision?” she questioned, her tone laced

marriage may have begun as a transaction

that chapter has long

oath never to let you slip away from me in this lifetime,” he asserted, his words echoing with an unyielding resolve.

hold for me?” Cherise

yesteryears!” she declared, her words brimming with a newfound sense

for love! I possess reason and intellect,” she asserted boldly, her conviction

furrow formed on Damien’s brow as he regarded her

that the former Cherise was a woman governed solely by her emotions, devoid of reason and intellect?” he inquired, his voice laced with

lips, nodding in affirmation. “Yes,

eyes, his expression inscrutable as he considered her