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

of herself devoid of memories held

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

the ceaseless internal conflict, she yearned

closed eyes, Cherise surrendered to the enigmatic warmth that radiated from Damien, a familiar and foreign warmth enveloping her

same Cherise you once knew,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a newfound resolve.

discerns between love and hatred,” she continued, her words trailing like

after comprehending the depth of those emotions, I

her being, she exhaled a deep sigh. “Let us part ways, Damien,” she murmured, her words

me, we shall dissolve our

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

eyes. “By what right do you oppose my decision?” she questioned, her tone laced with a hint of defiance

marriage may have begun as a transaction and

has

steely determination. “I swore an oath never to let you slip away from me in this lifetime,” he asserted, his words echoing with

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

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

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

formed on Damien’s brow as he regarded her with an

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

nodding in affirmation. “Yes, she admitted.

flickered in Damien’s eyes, his expression inscrutable as he