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?”

her head and met his apologetic gaze. Taken aback by his misunderstanding, she hastily shook her head and pursed her lips. “I’m

the protection he wanted to

you have doubts about me because of the past. Perhaps you doubt my character or whether I’m worthy of you, Damien continued, lips pursed with slight

from the corners of her eyes, his sincere gaze tinged with distress. “I’ll let you go. You can go wherever you want. I won’t stand in your

by an unseen force, leaving her unsettled. As she gazed into Damien’s eyes, which held a humble and slightly sheepish gaze, she had a whirlwind of conflicting emotions while listening

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

physically drained, Damien had growness concerned about his appearance. After all, the woman he cherished most seemed indifferent to his existence. Consequently, his stubble had stealthily reappeared