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.

response to Sebastian was repulsive, while her innate connection lay with

notion that the version of herself devoid of memories held

been entangled with Damien amidst an arranged union

the ceaseless internal conflict, she yearned

the enigmatic warmth that radiated from Damien, a familiar and foreign warmth enveloping her in its embrace. “Damien,”

Cherise you once knew,” she

embody a clarity that discerns between love and hatred,” she continued, her words trailing like delicate whispers in the still air.

after comprehending the depth of those emotions, I cannot remain by your side,” she

depths of her being, she exhaled a deep sigh. “Let us part ways, Damien,” she murmured, her words weighted with finality.

shall dissolve our union,” she

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

do you oppose

have begun as a transaction

that chapter has long

oath never to let you slip away from me

relevance does your vow hold for me?” Cherise challenged, her voice

am no longer the Cherise of yesteryears!” she declared, her words

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

furrow formed on Damien’s brow as he regarded her with an intensity that pierced through her

his lips. “Are you suggesting that the former Cherise was a woman governed solely by her

nodding in affirmation. “Yes, she admitted.

flickered in Damien’s eyes, his