Marrying the Man in the Dark

Am I under a spell? Why do I think of such a decent man as my adversary? “I just…” she trailed off, her thoughts interrupted by Damien’s gentle inquiry.

“What did you dream about? You can confide in me,” his deep voice resonated with genuine concern as he brushed away a tear from the corner of her eye. “Or, if you’re hungry. I can prepare something for you.”

As he expressed concern for her, Cherise struggled to suppress her tears. A flicker of panic was heard in Damien’s voice. This was a rare occurrence. Enveloping her in a comforting embrace, he carried her towards the bedroom. Tenderly easing her onto the bed, he couldn’t help but notice her tear-stained pillow.

A heaviness settled in the man’s heart. “Why do you seem so sad?” he inquired, his lips pressed together as he wiped away her tears. “Is it because of a nightmare, or…” His gaze darkened. “Are you upset at being trapped here by me?”

“I never meant to confine you or take away your freedom. I’m just afraid of something happening to you. Damien confessed, a touch of sorrow and distress in his tone. After a moment, he chuckled softly. If you want to leave, I won’t hold you back. But…” He reached for her hand. “Let my people protect you, okay?”

suddenly lifted her head and met his apologetic gaze. Taken aback

implored, interpreting the shake of her head as a rejection of the protection he wanted to arrange. “It’s for your safety. Lowering his voice to a gentle murmur, he

my character or whether I’m worthy of you, Damien continued, lips

cry,” he urged, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes, his sincere gaze tinged with distress. “I’ll let you go. You can go

whirlwind of conflicting emotions while listening to his pleading tone. Without thinking, she reached out and gently touched his face, running her fingers over his stubble. “You need

was taken aback by her gesture, instinctively reaching up to touch his chin. Indeed, his stubble was making its presence felt again. His ingrained personal hygiene habits persisted despite his busy schedule dealing with Cherise

and treating him like an adversary. Feeling mentally and physically drained, Damien had growness concerned about his appearance. After all, the woman he cherished most seemed indifferent to