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?”

from crying. Upon hearing his words, she suddenly lifted her head and met his apologetic gaze. Taken aback by his misunderstanding,

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,

continued, lips pursed with slight desolation coloring

from the corners of her eyes, his sincere gaze tinged with distress. “I’ll let you go.

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 to his pleading

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

drained, Damien had growness concerned about