Marrying the Man in the Dark

Unfortunately, their shared history still eluded her. Steeling herself, Cherise took a deep breath and opened the email marked ‘Ian’s requests.’ The contents within made Cherise’s jaw drop in shock. The email starkly outlined Ian’s demands.

In addition to the initial two million, Ian had reconsidered his stance. He gathered that returning to Shawbury to help Cherise recover her memory would be a prolonged endeavor. Hence, he requested an additional three million from Damien, bringing the total to five million.

Another one of Ian’s requests conveyed his desire to procure a residence in Shawbury, expressing discomfort with the prospect of an extended hotel stay upon his return to the town. He believed having a place to call home during his stay was equitable.

Ian also asserted that he couldn’t forget Damien’s past actions. Despite a prior verbal apology from post of no Damien, Ian deemed it insufficient. He insisted that Damien compose a lengthy Twitter fewer than 500 words on his personal account, affirming Ian’s virtuous character and acknowledging his past transgressions.

Perched in Damien’s chair, Cherise squinted at the words on the screen, her eyes burning as she rubbed them vigorously. Doubt gnawed at her. She thought that she had misinterpreted the email.

Unaware of Damien’s past misdeeds that had provoked Ian’s demand for an apology, Cherise remained steadfast in her belief that even if Damien had indeed wronged Ian… Damien had requested that Ian join her on the journey back to Shawbury to jog her memory. Ian’s requests seemed utterly absurd. The Ian in the email appeared to be opportunistic and solely driven by self-interest.

in her memory was the epitome of nobility and integrity. He was the very pride of Shawbury High, the embodiment of inspiration. Ian was a boy who had commanded the admiration of all the girls in school. Before her SATS, he had generously provided

her efforts, Cherise couldn’t reconcile the lan described in the email with the one etched in her memories. As she was feeling perplexed, the ringing of Damien’s phone interrupted the silence again.

is causing a scene at the hotel and insists on your immediate agreement to his terms.” It was a call from someone named

before Otto continued, “Should you reject his demands, he’ll approach Sebastian. Consequently, Mrs. Lenoir

struggled to absorb the shocking revelation. After a momentary pause to compose herself, she steadied her voice. “Did… Ian really say that?” she inquired, her tone

silenced by Cherise’s gentle inquiry. After some time, his voice

her lips. “Yes, I am,” she answered

Lenoir?” Otto pressed.

resting,” Cherise replied