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

the version of herself devoid of

Damien amidst an arranged union resembling a transaction, compounded by her parents’

ceaseless internal conflict, she

that radiated from Damien, a familiar

knew,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a newfound

love and hatred,” she

the depth of those emotions, I cannot remain by your

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

dissolve our union,” she

grip on her

met his unwavering gaze as she reopened her eyes. “By what right do you oppose my decision?” she questioned, her tone

transaction and later entangled with my mother’s life.”

chapter has long

oath never to let you slip away from me in this lifetime,” he asserted, his words

for me?” Cherise challenged, her voice tinged with defiance.

yesteryears!” she declared, her words brimming with a

refuse to be the woman who would relinquish all for love! I possess reason and intellect,”

brow as he regarded her with an intensity that

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

in affirmation.

eyes, his expression inscrutable as he considered her re