Marrying the Man in the Dark

“Didn’t you demand an explanation?”

The man glanced back at her with an icy stare. “Tll procure an explanation for you,” he retorted curtly before shutting the door behind him, leaving Cherise alone in the silence of their chambers.

From behind the barrier of the closed door, Cherise listened intently as Damien issued instructions to Frances. His voice, though muffled, carried a sense of authority and concern.

“Cherise has had a mishap,” he explained calmly, his words filtering through the thick wood. “She may not feel inclined to freshen up after she fell into the trash can. Ensure she is properly bathed and dressed in clean attire.”

“I’ve arranged for Lennon to procure her favorite fragrance from abroad,” he continued, his tone unwavering. “Sprinkle it throughout the room to create a more comfortable atmosphere.”

“And…”

Pausing momentarily, Damien’s voice took on a softer tone. “Given her current state of mind, prepare a meal that she enjoys,” he instructed, his concern evident in every word.

Having conveyed his directives, Damien leaned in to murmur a few additional instructions to Frances, his voice barely audible as he imparted his final guidance and slowly left.

Cherise sank to the floor as his footsteps faded into the distance, leaning heavily against the door.

This man… even in moments of turmoil, he exhibited such care and concern, enlisting the aid of their household staff to tend to her needs.

It was difficult for Cherise to reconcile this compassionate side of him with the portrait painted by Sebastian, the man who had manipulated her amnesia and harbored a deep-seated vendetta against her.

The memory of their tumultuous kiss in the car flashed through her mind unbidden.

traced her lips with

her lips, the lingering sensation of the wound he

her eyes, she replayed the emotions etched on Damien’s face during that heated moment.

conveyed a simmering

Damien’s actions remained restrained, limited to a passionate kiss and

that his ire had been ignited by her disparaging remarks about

perceived self-deprecation, not in reference to any

demeaning herself, not demeaning the former Cherise.

and the former Cherise, who hadn’t lost her

within her, prompting a desire to shed a

towards him, she couldn’t deny the kindness he had

but wonder: How deeply did he cherish his former self?

to

“Madam?”

door. “I’ve brought your favorite incense. Would you like me to open

Cherise contemplated whether to

of reflection, she relented and opened it, allowing

room with a gentle smile, the aroma

She liked it.

but inquire softly, “Are you and