Marrying the Man in the Dark

“Let’s see if anyone sparks a memory. Otherwise, all our efforts will have been for naught,” Lucy suggested. Cherise’s lips
pressed into a thin line as she settled back onto the bed, resuming her. examination of the photos.
As daylight waned and the room darkened with the onset of evening, Cherise noticed the fading. sunlight giving way to the
encroaching night. By eight o’clock at night, Lucy’s persistent yawns betrayed her fatigue. After hours spent poring over the
photographs, Cherise’s breakthrough came unexpectedly. She identified a figure in one of the books with a pointed finger. “I
remember him,” she declared. “I recall his name, and I remember he once lent me a hand.”
Lucy’s expression soured as she glanced at the page subconsciously, her disbelief evident as she covered her face with her
hands in frustration. “After all this time, you only remember one person?”
Cherise nodded solemnly. “It appears so.”
“Very well,” Lucy sighed, closing the book and tucking it away. “I’ll have a word with Damien and see if we can arrange for this
individual to be released from the mental institution.”
As Lucy departed. Cherise remained seated, her gaze following the woman until she disappeared. Then, realization struck,
causing her eyes to widen in astonishment. “M-mental institution?”
Yes. Lucy confirmed, reopening the door at the sound of Cherise’s startled voice. She offered a reassuring smile. “He’s the only
person you remember. Even if he’s currently confined, Damien will see to his release. Lucy’s expression softened, a faint smile
gracing her lips. “I just... worry that Mr. Lenoir will have to go through quite a hassle.
Lucy’s voice trailed off her words hanging in the air, leaving Cherise puzzled over her cryptic statement. “In my recollection... lan
was a standout student. How could he possibly end up in a mental institution...”
“Because he desired something he shouldn’t have,” Lucy clarified with a subtle smile before departing. leaving Cherise still
befuddled by the revelation.
Cherise contemplated chasing after Lucy for clarification, but her intentions wer vigilant bodyguards stationed at the door. “Mrs.
Lenoir,” they interjected, raising her, “Please don’t put us in a difficult position.
Cherise fell silent and resigned to the situation. Fine. won’t put them in a difficult posi stuck in this challengingsituation.
Retreating to her room, Cherise stretched out on the bed, her senses attuned to the fain downstars. With the villa’s impeccable
soundproofing, she strained to discern Damien’s teed with a hint of self-deprecation. The current Cherise remained unaware of

lan’s fate
Leo. Teratone Dannien’s role in orchestrating lan’s admission to the mental institution.
The commotion downstairs persisted for a long time. After more than half an hour, the faint s Euer departure could be heard from
outside. Another half hour clapsed before the measured. footsteps of a man ascended the stairs and approached Cherise’s
room.
adversary, maintaining an air of indifference toward him. However, today... Lucy’s words lingered, subtly influencing her
thoughts. Even if Lucy’s assertions were untrue, Cherise couldn’t continue treating Damien as an enem
Moreover, her attention was drawn to the black silk cloth resting in the corner of the desk. Last night’s dream... Lost in
contemplation, Cherise was jolted from her reverie by the nearing footsteps of the man. As they halted outside her door, she
could distinctly discern his deep voice asking the bodyguard about her.
Feeling a surge of unease, Cherise hastily scrambled onto the bed, pulling the blanket over herself to feign slumber.
Once the bodyguard updated Damien on Cherise’s condition, he gracefully opened the door and entered the room.