Marrying the Man in the Dark

Cherise found herself at a loss for words.
Unable to articulate her turmoil to the child, she simply nodded silently, bowing her head as she retched.
Outside the bathroom, Alexis leaned against the door, his expression fraught with concern. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
he inquired softly.
“Mr. Lenoir.”
In the living room below, Sebastian sat with calculated composure, sipping the tea Frances had laid on the coffee table-his gaze,
icy and unwavering, was fixated on Damien.
“It’s been a few days, Mr. Lenoir,” Sebastian remarked coolly. “How have you been?”
Damien’s lip curled in disdain as he regarded Sebastian. “Do you concern yourself with my well-being?”
“Perhaps you’re hoping I’ve been faring poorly,” he mused. “Isn’t it?”
With an indifferent yawn, Damien continued, “If you have something to say, speak it plainly. Otherwise, the Lenoir household
does not need unwelcome guests.”
Unmoved by the implied threat, Sebastian maintained his composure.
“Mr. Lenoir, your manners leave much to be desired,” he remarked mildly. “But that’s of little consequence.”
Turning to Yolanda, he gestured for her to proceed. “Bring it forth.”
Yolanda nodded in acknowledgment, handing Sebastian a small bottle.
Taking the bottle delicately in hand, Sebastian placed it on the coffee table with a graceful flourish, his gaze unwaveringly cold as
it fixed upon Damien. “Mr. Lenoir, allow me to present to you the antidote for the poison afflicting Cherise,” he announced calmly,
his tone betraying none of the tension between them.
Damien’s brow furrowed as he eyed the bottle on the table, though he made no move to touch it.
“The ingredients are indeed antidotal,” Sebastian affirmed, his smile unwavering.

“Should you doubt its efficacy, you are welcome to have the medicine tested,” he continued smoothly. “I understand Cherise’s
friend Lucy has returned to Adania. She possesses expertise in pharmaceuticals. If you seek reassurance, she can examine the
medicine to ensure its safety before administering it to Cherise.”
Damien regarded Sebastian with suspicion, his expression guarded. “And are you being sincere in this offer?”
“Absolutely,” Sebastian replied, his smile serene.
“With my son under your care, it’s imperative that we maintain an amicable relationship to ensure his well-being.”
Damien arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Sebastian’s claim. “Your son?” he echoed.
“Yes, Alexis is my son,” Sebastian confirmed, his gaze steady as he met Damien’s.
“This morning, my sister retrieved him from the orphanage, only for him to vanish without a trace. In Adania, you are the sole
individual with a motive to abduct my son.”
Damien’s skepticism was palpable as he scrutinized Sebastian’s words. “You are saying that Alexis is your son?” he challenged,
his voice tinged with doubt.
Sebastian’s smile remained genuine as he responded, “Indeed, you understand me well, Mr. Lenoir.”
“A person of my nature, capable of cruelty, would hardly extend such kindness as to adopt and raise someone else’s child,” he
explained earnestly. “Alexis is my own flesh and blood, which is why I’ve taken him under my wing.”
“Pfft,” came a sound of derision from upstairs, where Alexis listened silently, rolling his eyes in disbelief.
Even if someone were to compel him to believe it at the cost of his life, Alexis couldn’t bring himself to accept the notion that his
father was truly such a repulsive individual, capable of evoking such a visceral reaction from his godmother!
“I see.”
Damien’s smile was faint as he reached for the small bottle, passing it to Mr. Hampson. “Contact Dr. Staber,” he instructed
calmly.
Mr. Hampson nodded in acknowledgment and quietly departed.

After Mr. Hampson took his leave, Damien’s smile returned as he addressed Sebastian. “Thank you for sending the medicine for
Cherise,” he expressed his gratitude sincerely.
“However, I must confess, I have no knowledge of the son you claim.”
“That being said,” Damien continued, his tone even, “Cherise did mention to me some unpleasant encounters with Ms. Weiss at
the welfare home.”