Marrying the Man in the Dark

“Sweetheart, even though you can’t see anything, allow me to paint the scene around us with words,” Cherise began softly,
leaning into Damien’s embrace. “We’re standing on a bridge overlooking a serene river. The clear water below flows gently,
originating from a mountain stream” She continued, her voice earnest. “There are fish in that river... There’s trout, whitelish...
Cherise was always happy and joyful in her dreams, even when Damien was blind. Yet upon waking. Cherise found hall her
pillow soaked with tears. The laughter and delight of her dreams stood in stark contrast to the emptiness that enveloped her
upon awakening.
Since Sebastian had emerged, there was a rift between her and Damien. Damien had distanced himself From Cherise and never
shared a bed with her. The stark contrast between the warmth of her dreams and the chilly reality made Cherise feel like her
heart was being constricted, causing considerable discomfort.
With pursed lips, she opened the door without a second thought. The vigilant bodyguard outside offered a cautionary reminder.
“Mrs. Lenoir, it’s not safe for you to venture out.”
“I’m not. Cherise asserted, her lips forming a tight line. “Just relay to Damien that he must come to me inmediately, without delay”
“Mrs. Lenoir... I don’t think that’s a good idea.” The bodyguard hesitated, his concern evident. “Mr. Lenoir is presently engaged.
While this fact might have cluded others in the house, the bodyguards on shifts were privy to it. Damien had dedicated the entire
night to his work within his study, scarcely allowing himself any repose.
Emerging briefly only ten minutes ago to instruct Frances to warm a cup of milk for him as dawn broke, he retreated to his
bedroom. Yet Cherise remained oblivious to these particulars, her mind. failing to recall Damien’s pledge to accompany her to
Shawbury alter toiling overtime
She frowned at the bodyguard’s remark. “Why is he occupied?” Recollecting the dream wherein Damien had vowed to eternally
be by her side and share in her joys and sorrows, Cherise was overwhelmed by an inexplicable sense of emptiness and uncase
in her heart.
“Mr. Lenoir is...
“You’re awake?” A deep male voice interjected before the bodyguard could finish, halting further interaction.
Cherise’s eyes snapped upwards at the sound, recognizing the man’s voice. In the distance, Damien strode toward her, clad in
light gray pajamas, his voice carrying a deep, captivating timbre that matched his striking appearance. The loosely draped collar

of his attire revealed his sturdy collarbone. Bathed in the morning light, his slow approach to her exuded a comforting warmth
and undeniable allure.
“Da...” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, spurred by a surge of courage, she opened her arms wide and
dashed towards him. “Honey!”
Her tender form collided with his, causing Damien to sway slightly. It wasn’t her weight that caught him off guard, but rather the
unexpected embrace. “What’s wrong?” Concern etched across his features, and he searched her eyes intently. “Did you have a
nightmare?”
That seemed the only plausible explanation. If not for a nightmare, it seemed unlikely that the woman who regarded him with
hostility and treated him as an adversary suddenly rushed into his arms, addressing him as “honey. Since encountering
Sebastian at the library, she had consistently referred to him by his name.
Cherise met his eyes, which were brimming with genuine worry. The sincerity reflected in his eyes caused her heart to flutter. Her
emotions relaxed inexplicably, and tears began to trace silent paths down her cheeks as she shook her head. “No... I didn’t.. It
wasn’t a nightmare.”“”