Ch. 1041..1050
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1041-Unpleasant Reunion With a swift movement, Stella dived into the crowd, enthusiastically greeting the newly arrived grand uncle. She attempted to strike up a pleasant conversation, mentioning how she had eagerly anticipated his arrival at the entrance for quite some time.
“Sorry about Stella, Mrs. Lenoir,” Ariana apologized with an awkward smile at Cherise. “She’s always like this…” Cherise’s expression twisted with confusion and nostalgia as she observed Stella mingling in the crowd.
Discovering that this seemingly pretentious and superficial Stella was actually her former high school classmate was quite a revelation. She couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
Although they once shared the same classroom, they seemed to belong to entirely different worlds, with contrasting values and perspectives after those years in school.
“Yeah, that makes sense,” Ariana considered, tapping her fingers. Since you’re the same age as Sav and Stella, and you all went to Shawbury High School, it’s totally possible you were classmates.” She laughed, continuing, “I never imagined you’d have been in the same class as them and Steve, my new brother-in-law. I invited you here for a good time, little did we know it would be a high school reunion. Funny how things turn out, right? Oh, by the way, Sav has invited a lot of her ex-classmates here today. Maybe chatting with them will trigger some memories!” Cherise nodded, “I hope so.” Just then, Damien and Blake approached. Mr. Hampson and Otto went to park the car and arrange accommodations for the next few days.
“Deep in conversation, I see. What’s the gossip?” Damien quizzed.
“Guess what! The bride and groom today are actually my old high school classmates!” Cherise beamed, linking arms with Damien.
“Wouldn’t be surprised if the bride was my old BFF,” she teased.
Damien finally lifted his gaze, scanning the names of the groom and bride for the day. He chuckled, “You’re spot on. She was.” Cherise’s eyes widened in surprise. “No way! Really?” “Absolutely, Damien replied, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He mentioned he’d recently delved into her past, confirming Savannah as her high school BE “But he continued, his tone thoughtful, ‘during our investigation, we discovered that back in high school, Savannah didn’t seem to have much interaction with her supposed fiancé.” According to reports from Shawbury, Savannah, who was once close to Cherise in high school, was romantically involved with another classmate.
Unpleasant Reunion 92%1 support her boyfriend’s studies with the money she earned.
As a result, she gradually lost touch with her high school friends, including Cherise.
“Follow me,” Ariana beckoned Cherise upstairs, leading her to a table where their former classmates were gathered in the corner.
“Please, take a seat. Excuse me while I go greet my family,” Ariana excused herself before departing.
Cherise nodded appreciatively, sharing a meaningful glance with Ariana before she departed.
“Hey, Cherry! Over here!” a man near the staircase called out, recognizing Cherise as he approached and warmly welcoming her.
Afterward, turning to the others at the table, he declared proudly, “See, I told you she’d come! Cherise was Savannah’s closest friend in high school. I knew she wouldn’t miss this. You guys doubted me!” Fetching two chairs, he gestured for Cherise and Damien to join them. “Since you’ve been living in the city since graduation, you rarely come back, right? So when I received Savannah’s wedding invitation recently, I knew you’d make the trip back for it. And here you are.”
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1042-Damien Defended Cherise As Cherise arrived, she was greeted by a familiar face from high school-the plump boy who had remained the same over the years.
“Is this your boyfriend?” A sharp voice interrupted, and Cherise saw a heavily made-up woman eyeing Damien. “Introduce him to everyone,” she insisted.
Cherise racked her brain but couldn’t place the woman. Were they classmates from high school? They sat at the same table, after all.
Damien leaned in, noticing Cherise’s confusion. “She was a rebellious classmate, expelled for early love and abortion. You were never close to her.” Cherise was surprised by Damien’s insight into her past. But seeing the woman with her heavy makeup and sharp tongue, Cherise couldn’t help but agree with Damien.
I mean, she knew Damien was off-limits, yet she shamelessly ogled him, which got on Cherise’s nerves!
Cherise casually grabbed a 5L drink bottle to block the woman’s blatant attempts to catch Damien’s eye. “You may call him Mr. Lenoir.” Cherise’s calm yet standoffish attitude made the woman smirk. “Just asking for an introduction. Why are you so uptight and unhappy? Afraid someone else might steal him?” The woman chuckled, “Cherise, oh Cherise, in high school, you were the epitome of a low self-esteem ugly duckling. Now, your taste in men might have improved, but that inferiority complex of yours still lingers!” The woman’s words sparked laughter from the other women at the table, who inspected Damien closely, “Her boyfriend is so handsome. No wonder she’s afraid we’ll keep staring.” “If we were to snatch such a catch, she’ll end up a lonely old spinster!” “Spot on!” The women grew brazen in their remarks, some even boldly asking Damien for his contact information.
These former classmates continued to ignore Cherise as if she were invisible.
Cherise’s smile started to melt away, replaced by a frown. This high school reunion was a breeding ground for bad memories and awkward encounters.
Just as she was about to break the ice, Damien, ever the protector, spoke up next to her.
“Oh, you clueless fools! Don’t you get it? You should be thanking Cherise for even tolerating you! Seriously, some gratitude would be nice.” he spat, his voice dripping with disdain.
Damien reached for his glass, eyes scanning the women with a chilling intensity that sent shivers down their spines.
Balance:
His voice, cold and indifferent, pierced the air. “While I was courting Cherise, I learned all about the nasty things you used to do to her. Remember all that teasing and tormenting in high school? Her distance now is her way of avoiding you – a bunch of pariahs. She’s only being civil because of this stupid high school reunion. Believe me, the only reason you haven’t faced my wrath yet is because she doesn’t want you to pee yourselves in public and humiliate yourselves further.” With that, he pointed at the heavily made-up woman who had spoken first. “Remember when you spiked her coffee with soy sauce, planted cheat sheets in her pocket to frame her for cheating, and ridiculed her appearance?” The woman’s face drained of color, rendered speechless.
Damien’s smirk widened as he pointed his finger at another woman at the table. “And you,” he said, his voice dripping with disgust, “Remember that time you ‘borrowed’ Cherise’s pads during that time of the month? And then, the audacity to sell them back to her at an extortionate price? Classic high school hustle, am I right?” The woman sputtered, face turning red. “No way! That’s a lie!”
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1043-Cheap Damien "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure," Damien countered, a sly smile emerging. "I bet your teacher remembers that little incident quite vividly."
A stunned silence descended upon the table.
Cherise, raised in a mountain village's harsh yet beautiful environment, had always known the power of education. College entrance exams became her holy grail, and she studied with unwavering determination. This seriousness, however, came at a cost.
Throughout high school, her peers perceived Cherise as unyielding, frumpy, and socially awkward. Basically, a bookworm who preferred the company of pages over people.
It was no surprise then that she became the target of her classmates' not-sosubtle bullying.
Cherise, the wise soul she was, knew arguing with them was pointless, so she ignored them and focused on her dreams.
These memories were a distant, dusty box in Cherise's mind. But Damien, bless his heart, seemed to know all about it.
Cherise watched Damien in stunned silence. The way he stood up for her and the unexpected fierceness in his defense against those women tugged at her heartstrings. She hadn't realized how much he cared.
An awkward silence stretched across the table. Finally, the big guy who called Cherise over decided to break the ice. "Alright, alright, let's forget the drama.
We're all stuck here at the same table, might as well enjoy the food, right?
Besides, fate brought us together, no point in dwelling on old stuff."
He turned to Cherise with a forced smile. "What do you say, Cherry?"
Cherise took a slow sip of her wine. "The past is water under the bridge for me, but some people just never lose their annoying ways, no matter how much time passes."
One of the women scoffed. "Ugh, give it a rest with the diva act, already."
"Might have found herself a young, handsome gigolo, trying to act all superior," another chimed in.
"Disgusting! How dare she dredge up ancient history."
"This is our turf. Who does she think she is, bringing a petty outsider here to stir up trouble?"
"Exactly! Bringing up old baggage like some immature child."
Damien's smile was barely perceptible. "I must confess, I can be petty."
The room fell silent. The previously confident woman's face drained of color, her retort dying on her lips.
The woman's face, caked in makeup, let out a derisive snort. "The audacity!
It's Sav's big day, and you are literally ruining it! Don't you have any class?"
Cherise sneered. "Hey, I just gave Ariana, Savannah's cousin, a ride. Her invitation brought me here. But the way you all are acting is disgusting! You could've just ignored us, then we wouldn't have this drama ruining Savannah's wedding."
Another woman leaned in with a sly smile. "So, you brought Savannah's cousin here in what, a covered wagon? Your husband's clothes look like they came from a discount bin."
Her eyes scanned Damien's outfit with disdain. "Are you sure you can afford a decent car?"
Cherise couldn't help but burst out laughing. Damien's outfit was actually expensive!
Damien's outfit, which would have earned envious stares back in Adania, made him look "cheap" in this tiny, close-minded town. Guess this was his rude awakening to small-town judgment.
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1044-Damien Faked Impoverished Probably his first encounter with such shallow judgment.
Despite the situation, Damien managed a faint smile. "Sure, I might not be a millionaire with a sports car, but does that mean I can't defend Cherise?"
His voice was calm and convincing. If Cherise hadn't known he was just messing with them, she might've believed his "broke guy" act.
Hearing Damien's "confession," the women went in for the kill. "What a joke you are! Do you think adulting is like getting straight A's and sucking up to teachers for special treatment? Newsflash, sunshine, that doesn't fly here!"
"This is the real world, honey. Money talks. No money, no respect."
"Look, Cherise. We can't have some broke nobody acting all high and mighty here."
The women's voices echoed, creating a hostile and oppressive atmosphere.
After a tense moment, a woman with a face full of makeup decided to take a shot at Damien. "You're a good-looking guy. Why waste yourself on someone like her? Sticking with a loser like that won't get you anywhere fast."
She clearly referred to Cherise, "Why not jump ship and come with me instead? I can save you five years of grinding away at nothing."
With a flirtatious wink, she oozed confidence that he'd cave.
Cherise couldn't help but cringe. Seriously, how did she ever tolerate three years of high school with this narcissistic creep? Good grief!
Damien, feeling mischievous, grabbed Cherise's hand. "I know I might be broke, but at least Cherry here has deep pockets! Everything you see me in today? All thanks to her."
Cherise's eyes widened in surprise. She elbowed him playfully, letting out an awkward laugh that screamed, "Excuse me? What are you getting at with this?"
He let out a low chuckle, not bothering to answer, just giving her a smug grin.
The whispers and stares flew around the room like wildfire.
Suddenly, a hotel staff member appeared. "Excuse me everyone, but who owns the Maybach parked out front? We need to get it moved, please."
The entire second floor went nuts. A Maybach? Like the super luxurious car brand? Owning one was practically a myth, let alone seeing one parked here!
Everyone craned their necks, waiting for the Maybach owner to make their grand entrance.
Damien, however, shot Cherise a fake-hurt look. "See, this is what happens when you don't listen. I told you I didn't need a car. You hate driving anyway.
You wait here. I'll go deal with it."
He huffed dramatically and walked off.
Cherise slid into the empty seat, feeling a wave of chatter and curious stares directed at her. The others at the same table did a double take.
"Dude, a freakin' Maybach?!" a male classmate blurted out. "Who knew Cherise was rolling in dough now? Talk about a glow-up!"
The women snickering at Damien's supposed lack of money moments ago all looked like they'd swallowed a lemon. They took tiny, bitter sips of their drinks sulkily.
The plumpy classmate and a few curious men couldn't resist asking, "Spill the tea, Cherise! What kind of job did you snag to afford that ride?"
These people had always been friendly, so Cherise offered a shy smile.
"Honestly, I'm not actually working at the moment."
"Not working? No way!" The chubby guy spluttered. The others all sighed dramatically.
"That's what all the rich people say, right? 'Jobless.'"
"Yeah, you must be some kind of successful businesswoman, Cherise. That's why you say you're jobless, huh?"
Cherise just smiled mysteriously, not giving anything away. The truth was, she was always busy – keeping the kids in line and whipping up meals was a fulltime job in itself.Her cryptic response only fueled the speculation. They were convinced Cherise must be some kind of big shot. Suddenly, everyone was showering her with compliments.
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1045-White Lie Cherise observed the subtle tremors in the women's demeanor.
The male classmate who had earlier mentioned the exorbitant price of Maybachs spoke up, "Maybachs are quite the splurge, aren't they?"
Cherise nodded, "They're alright. We've got even pricier ones back home."
She wasn't fibbing; this Maybach wasn't the top tier in their garage.
After all, she was Damien's wife; by extension, his things were hers too. No harm in a little white lie, right?
"Wow, this car must have set you back a pretty penny," the man remarked, eyes wide.
Cherise couldn't help but grin. "You could say that."
The conversation sputtered out, replaced by an uncomfortable silence.
Millions for a car? Was she kidding?
The women throwing shade at Cherise earlier felt their faces burning up. Talk about payback.
After an awkward silence at the table, the plumpy man tried to lighten the mood, "Cherry, your boyfriend's quite the looker. Did you snag him, or did he snag you?"
The women perked up like vultures sensing fresh gossip. Cherise, however, didn't give them a chance to resume.
"Oh, please. He fell head over heels for me at first sight, and chased after me for nearly two years until I finally agreed to be with him. After all, I had a few other options at the time."
The table fell silent. All eyes were on Cherise, bewildered, unsure of what to say.
The women who had confronted Cherise earlier felt so ashamed they wished they could vanish. Just moments ago, they were taunting Cherise, asserting money was paramount in society as one matures.
But minutes later, they were dumbfounded to discover the price of Cherise's car was something they could only dream of earning in their lifetimes!
After a stunned silence, someone finally spoke up. "Remember that time in school when our teacher said Cherise would be the one to make it big?
Damn, he was spot-on!"
"Yeah, that's right!" someone chimed in, flashing Cherise a knowing smile.
"With your looks and success now, you must've had a line of guys chasing after you. No wonder your hubby's a stunner – must've been a tough pick!"
Cherise grinned, a wave of satisfaction washing over her. She nodded in agreement. "Truth is, if it wasn't for his incredible personality, his cooking skills, and how helpful he is around the house, I wouldn't have given him the time of day. Those guys chasing me weren't exactly lacking in qualities, you see."
The room fell silent. Who knew the quiet bookworm of their high school days would turn into this glamorous, successful woman?
The girls who used to torment Cherise quickly grabbed their drinks and scurried off to another table, their faces filled with jealousy.
Relief washed over Cherise. As the saying goes, revenge is a dish bestserved cold. Even without a perfect memory of the past, she could picture how cruel these people once were.
Back then, they mocked and ostracized her. Now, everything she had built made them green with envy.
The satisfaction was so sweet that Cherise almost instinctively reached for her phone to share it on social media.
But then, she caught Damien's intense gaze fixed on her. Her body tensed instantly. "Uh, when did you get back?"
The man calmly settled beside her, picked up a teacup, and sipped, "When you mentioned I fell for you at first sight."
Cherise was caught off guard. She grimaced at him, silently signaling him not to expose her, "Well, you certainly moved the car super swiftly!"
"Yeah," Damien smirked faintly, "I didn't go downstairs; I had the driver handle the car."
There was another round of admiration when they heard Cherise had a driver to chauffeur her around. How impressive!
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1046-The Bride Cherise's smile faltered, "I see. I thought you were going to handle the car yourself."
Had she known Damien hadn't gone downstairs, she wouldn't have fabricated such a bold lie.
Damien might now be all smiles and sweetness, playing nice before her exclassmates. But who knows what happens when you're back at the hotel, behind closed doors?
He leaned in, his voice a low murmur that sent chills down Cherise's spine.
"With all these guys around, I can't risk leaving you alone. What if something happened to you? How could I possibly live with myself?"
His words hung heavy in the air, silencing everyone at the table.
Cherise's heart hammered against her ribs. On the surface, it sounded like Damien was worried sick about her.
But to her, it felt like a veiled threat, a ghost of something sinister to come.
The more he acted like the perfect husband now, the more suspicion gnawed at her. What was he playing at?
Home Categories Search…
1046/1090 The only response she could muster was a weak laugh and a smile. "You're definitely overreacting," she mumbled, looking away.
"Am I?" His smile was small, his gaze unwavering. "My dear, I'm just being careful. After all, I had to fight off some stiff competition to win you over."
Cherise wanted to melt into the floor, mortified beyond words. Every passing minute stretched into an agonizing eternity.
Finally, a merciful distraction arrived - the wedding ceremony was about to begin. The familiar strains of a wedding march filled the room, and the lights dimmed.
On the narrow stage, a dapper groom stood holding a bouquet, awaiting his bride. He watched as the father of the bride led her towards him.
When Cherise glanced at the groom's face, she almost dropped her glass of red wine because, well, let's just say he wasn't exactly a sight for sore eyes.
Sure, Steve didn't have a face that would stop traffic. Still, with his elongated face and eyes that seemed permanently narrowed, his features were…
unconventional.
His features individually would have been passable, but when put together, he was the least appealing in the room compared to everyone else.
"Good grief, after all these years, Steve hasn't changed a bit, still as homely as ever."
Laughter erupted from the table. "Poor Savannah, she was the prettiest girl in our class, and now she's…"
Cherise pursed her lips, instinctively turning to glance at the bride sitting opposite the groom.
They were right; Savannah was a knock-out.
Savannah would be a top contender if this was a Miss Universe pageant contest instead of a wedding.
Cherise couldn't help but stare, mesmerized.
Savannah's flawless, radiant face and perfect features made her look like a real-life doll. Every step she took with her father by her side radiated elegance and grace.
In all honesty, Savannah was probably the most beautiful woman she'd seen since getting her memory back. Yet, the irony was not lost on her. This stunning woman was about to marry the most unattractive man she'd encountered since then.
"Money talks, huh?" sighed the chubby guy who'd been friendly to Cherise earlier. "If I had Steve's kind of cash, I bet Savannah would marry me too!"
The man next to him chuckled and offered him a drink. "Yeah, keep dreaming, buddy."
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1047-Savannah's Bad Choice Murmurs and sighs swirled through the crowd.
A voice broke the tense silence, "Savannah's been drowning in debt for years.
Steve's been pouring money into her mother's medical bills; it's a bottomless pit. Can you imagine the financial strain?
Another guest joined the conversation, shaking their head. "Yeah, Savannah's a total babe, but looks can't fix a never-ending money vortex. Who in their right mind would jump into that mess, especially with a mom in a coma racking up the bills?"
The crowd buzzed with a mix of sympathy and skepticism.
Cherise watched as Savannah approached Steve, her face etched with worry.
Clearly, she wasn't exactly thrilled to be getting married, but sometimes life hits you with a reality stick.
As Cherise thought this, Savannah's dad was already slipping her hand into Steve's.
The emcee started to kick off the wedding, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. Before we proceed with the vows—"
"Hold on." A cold voice cut through the air, halting the emcee in his tracks.
A sharp-dressed man in white strolled in, "Sav, are you sure you wanna marry him?"
His question sent shockwaves through the crowd. "Whoa, didn't see that coming!" someone whispered.
"That's Trent, Savannah's high school sweetheart," another guest murmured.
"This just got interesting…"
Trent's unexpected appearance threw a wrench into the wedding. Everyone knew about Savannah and Trent's history.
The air crackled with tension.
A voice erupted from the crowd, hurling insults at Trent. A chorus of disapproval followed, urging him to leave.
Unfazed, Trent stood firm, his gaze fixed on Savannah across the stage.
"Savannah," he said, his voice ringing out, "are you sure about this?"
Savannah stood frozen, her expression bewildered. "Why… why are you here?" she whispered.
Cherise observed the rollercoaster of emotions on Savannah's face – shock, joy, and an undeniable flicker of rekindled love.
Damien remarked beside Cherise, pouring drinks as he spoke. "This man isn't good enough for your friend. She is blinded by love. She didn't pursue further education after high school, opting to work instead, all to support him. With Savannah's help, he completed his bachelor's and master's degrees, and landed a decent job. But when her mother was left in a vegetative state after a car accident, requiring hefty medical bills, he refused to contribute."
Cherise watched intently as Savannah and Trent locked eyes, a silent conversation passing between them.
"But they love each other," Cherise countered, her voice laced with conviction. "Maybe his financial situation prevents him from helping. He doesn't mean it."
Damien let out a derisive laugh. "He's employed by Lenoir Group, Cherise.
Believe me, his income is anything but limited."
Cherise's eyes widened in disbelief. "You actually keep tabs on how much some ordinary employee makes?"
"Only because Savannah's your friend," Damien explained, taking a swig of his drink. "Pretty face, but not the sharpest tool in the shed. This whole situation is a disaster waiting to happen."
Cherise pressed her lips together, refusing to be drawn into another argument.
In her heart, she sided with Savannah. Trent was a looker compared to Steve, and their chemistry was undeniable.
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1048-Trent's Last Please "Sav."
Trent stepped onto the stage, exuding confidence and determination in every step.
The surrounding bodyguards sought to pull her away but were deterred by Steve, who stood behind Savannah.
"Come with me," he urged.
Trent stepped closer to Savannah, his gaze intense as he spoke softly, "I understand your hesitation. I know you ended our relationship to spare me from the burden when your family faced difficulties."
"But Sav, we've been together for eight years…"
He reached out, clasped Savannah's hand, and pleaded, "Although I may not have wealth, status, or the ability to provide you with a luxurious life, but…"
"I can't bear to lose you."
"Please, don't marry for money. I'm willing to support your family in the future…"
"Are you sure you can handle that responsibility?"
Before Trent could finish talking, a sharp female voice sliced through the air— it was Stella's. "Enough with the sweet talk!"
"Do you realize that even after you broke up with Sav, you didn't assist her when her family was in need?" Stella's voice rang out sharply.
"You didn't even assist her when her family was in need, after she covered your university tuition. When her family faced hardships, all you offered was money for a return ticket!"
"Now that Sav has found someone willing to help her family, you come to ruin things? Seriously?"
Stella's words were harsh yet painfully accurate.
Savannah's lip quivered as she attempted to pull her hand away, but Trent held on firmly, refusing to let go.
Brushing aside Stella's remarks, he locked eyes with Savannah and said earnestly, "Sav, will you come with me?"
Tears shimmered in Savannah's eyes, tracing a path down her cheek as she held his gaze intently.
Savannah turned back to Steve, her voice filled with regret, and murmured, "I'm sorry…"
Steve staggered back, taking two steps. His balance faltered as the emcee standing behind him reached out and caught him before he could fall.
After a brief pause, she turned to Trent, her voice barely above a whisper as she uttered, "I… I do."
At that moment, Damien was captivated by Savannah's emotional longing for love and the hopeful anticipation shining in her eyes.
Savannah, in contrast to the robotic movements of the bride moments ago, now seemed to radiate with newfound life as she prepared to escape from the wedding.
"Mm."
Trent smiled reassuringly as he seized Savannah's hand and leaped off the stage. They deftly navigated through the chaos and swiftly exited the venue, leaving chaos in their wake.
Pandemonium engulfed the venue as shouts and gasps filled the air, drowning out any semblance of order.
Damien watched in astonishment as Trent and Savannah made their escape.
Their figures weaved through the chaos like shadows in the night.
Did they leave so effortlessly?
After all, this was a wedding… Every attendee was either a relative or friend of Steve and Savannah or part of the hotel security.
With everyone's combined efforts, their escape should not have been possible.
"The groom is a fool, that's why."
The man shrugged, mirroring Damien's confusion. "Don't you find the groom's reaction oddly indifferent?"
Damien's eyes widened in surprise as he glanced at Steve standing onstage.
His head hung low; his eyes showed not anger or sadness but a profound disappointment.
Shouldn't he be seething with anger, consumed by embarrassment, and boiling with fury after pouring so much into a wedding, only to watch his bride flee?
Why was he disappointed?
"What's he so disappointed about?"
"The bride's family is poor, and everything here is funded by the groom. If he doesn't raise an objection, do you really think these bodyguards would dare to let them escape so easily?"
"I have a suspicion that the groom and the wedding crasher are in cahoots.
He must have known about the crasher in advance and made arrangements to ensure the wedding was successfully crashed."
Amidst the chaos, Cherise furrowed her brow. "Is the groom just foolish?"
"He's a fool, I suppose."
Damien lifted his hand gently, ruffling her hair. "Party's over. Feel like calling it a night, or do you fancy sticking around a bit longer?"
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1049-Tea and Truths Cherise pursed her lips. She looked at Steve onstage, holding a microphone to calm the crowd. "I'd like to have a word with this fool."
Damien shrugged, "Well, go ahead."
So they found a corner and observed as the crowd gradually dispersed.
To Cherise's surprise, none of their high school classmates stood by Steve's side after the incident.
Everyone rose from their seats and departed, unwilling to spare even a few more words for Steve.
According to the chubby guy, Steve, affectionately nicknamed "The Toad,"
had his heart set on marrying the class's belle just because of his deep pockets. Well, wasn't he just in for a treat?
Cherise watched as these people left, feeling even more disillusioned. She was incredulous that she had once shared a classroom with such a group of individuals.
Despite Cherise's lack of high school memories, she still wanted to console Steve with a few words. However, it was disheartening to see that those who Home Categories Search…
1049/1090 did remember couldn't be bothered to offer any words of support to their old classmates.
Before long, the wedding guests had dispersed, leaving the venue eerily quiet.
Stella and Ariana humbly apologized to Steve. Respectful nods and graceful bows accompanied their gestures of contrition as they tenderly guided their elderly relatives toward the exit.
As the last guests departed, Steve's gaze finally settled on Damien and Cherise, who lingered quietly in the corner.
With a smile, he made his way towards them, his steps deliberate and purposeful. "Savannah mentioned she hasn't spoken to you in seven or eight years. I didn't anticipate seeing you here as well."
Cherise lifted her gaze to meet the man before her.
At first sight, Steve didn't strike her as particularly appealing.
Upon closer observation and reflection on recent events, Cherise saw Steve's appearance in a more favorable light than her initial impression.
She pursed her lips and replied, "I just happened to be bringing Ariana back, so I came to attend."
"Yeah, it's been a while since Savannah and I last caught up."
Steve acknowledged with a nod. "I see."
After uttering those words, he flashed a charming smile and directed his gaze towards Damien. "Boyfriend?"
"Actually, husband," Damien replied confidently.
"Ah, excellent," Steve responded with a subtle grin. "My apologies for the unintended amusement."
"Indeed," he continued, his tone hinting melancholy. "This isn't quite the picture-perfect wedding we had hoped for."
Cherise pursed her lips, hesitating, before finally taking a deep breath. "Why did you do this?" she asked.
Steve frowned, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"My husband just gave me some insight," Cherise revealed.
"You and Trent are in on this together, right?" she pressed.
Steve paused dramatically before flashing a charming smile. "I happen to have a house nearby, bought specifically for the wedding. Care to join me for a cup of tea and a leisurely chat?"
———— "Your wedding house?" Cherise asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
As Steve guided Cherise to the wedding venue, her eyes widened at the grandeur of the house before her.
Though petite in stature, the villa exuded an air of timeless elegance. Its two stories whispered of intimacy rather than grandeur, more reminiscent of a shared sanctuary for two souls than a lavish wedding setting.
Yet, what truly set it apart was the absence of the auspicious symbol traditionally adorning wedding chambers. Instead, two simple bedrooms, one above and one below, awaited. Their unadorned simplicity was a testament to the purity of love that would soon grace their walls.
The upstairs bedroom gleamed in pristine white and was adorned with delicate feminine touches. Inside, feminine items whispered of grace and elegance. Meanwhile, the downstairs chamber, enveloped in deep ebony, housed rugged masculine belongings.
The upstairs room belonged to Savannah, while the downstairs room belonged to Steve.
"I apologize for the inconvenience."
Steve delicately set two cups of steaming tea on the coffee table. "Today, Trent was indeed invited by me," he disclosed.
Cherise furrowed her brows, unable to hide her confusion. "Why did you do this?"
"Is it that you don't care for Savannah?" Cherise probed gently.
Steve hesitated before answering, her voice steady. "I do like her."
Steve smiled wistfully, his gaze drifting out the window as if lost in a distant reverie. "From the moment I laid eyes on her in high school, I knew I liked her," he confessed softly.
He escaped with a self-deprecating chuckle: "I'm well aware of my shortcomings. I knew I wasn't enough for her, so I could only admire her from afar during high school.
Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1050-Steve's Bittersweet Gamble After those words, he casually glanced at Cherise, a faint hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "You knew about my feelings for her all along, didn't you?"
Cherise's eyes widened in surprise. "I did?"
Steve remained silent, his expression speaking volumes.
The tension in the room thickened as the past unfolded before them.
"You always had a knack for forgetting the important stuff."
He smiled ruefully, "But come on, you remember, right? You were the one pushing me to chase after her, telling me to aim for the stars and apply to her dream college."
"You were the one who told me, 'Even if it's a long shot, just being at her university for four years would be a gift,'" he reminisced with a tender smile.
"I followed your guidance, put my faith in it, and worked tirelessly, shadowing your every move to absorb your class notes. My grades climbed steadily…"
"And when the college entrance exams came around, I achieved my goal and secured admission to her university."
Home Categories Search…
Cherise's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. "But she never made it to campus…"
"Yes."
Steve's sigh resonated with the ache of unrequited love. "She gave up her own dreams to make Trent's come true," he murmured.
"In that fleeting moment, I realized she'd never be mine in this lifetime."
"Still, I feel compelled to show my gratitude," he confessed.
With a heartfelt gaze, gratitude reflecting in his eyes like shimmering stars, he uttered, "Had it not been for you, I wouldn't have earned my place in such a prestigious university, nor would I have become the person I am today."
Cherise waved off his gratitude with a modest smile. "It was all you, Steve.
Your hard work and determination paid off," she assured him.
As Cherise's words trailed into the abyss of silence, a heavy weight descended upon the living room, thickening the air like an impenetrable fog, suffocating in its intensity.
After silence, Steve raised the teacup to his lips and took a sip. "Just last month, Savannah's mother was in a car accident. She's in a vegetative state now, and the driver didn't make it," he revealed solemnly.
"Stella reached out to me when Savannah's family couldn't handle her mother's medical bills," Steve explained.
"Of course, I stepped in, covering all the expenses and even securing funds for the next ten years."
"Fortunately, my business has been booming, so while the amount was significant, I could handle it," Steve reassured them.
"Savannah felt guilty, but Stella assured her of my longstanding affection, which persuaded her to accept my proposal," he added, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.
"I know deep down she still cares for Trent," Steve confessed with a heavy heart. "She doesn't love me, so even if she agrees to marry me, she'll never truly find happiness," he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation.
He chuckled softly, a touch of self-deprecation in his tone. "But I can't help but hold onto a sliver of hope," he mused aloud. "What if, just what if, she starts to feel something for me?"
"What if she puts her own feelings aside and decides to be with me out of gratitude?" Steve pondered aloud, his voice laced with longing.
"I don't ask for much," he continued, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. "As long as she stands by my side with her whole heart, even if her love is not mine, I'll accept it."
"As long as…"
His words tapered off, yet the echo of his hopeful sentiment lingered in the room, weaving through the air like a fragile whisper.
His hand trembled slightly as he clasped the teacup, his voice soft but persistent. "As long as she lets go of Trent from her heart, whether her love is mine or not, it doesn't matter," Steve confessed, his words carrying the weight of his inner turmoil.
"So, I took a gamble," he continued with remorse.
"And unfortunately, I lost," he admitted, his gaze drifting downward as the reality of his situation sank in.
Breaking his silence, Damien lifted the teacup to his lips, his eyes piercing as he spoke. "Bringing Trent here was your way of seeking reassurance," he observed, his voice conveying insight.
"You were trying to convince yourself that Savannah would never leave your side," he added.
"Yet, she still left."
"Hmm."
"I had made peace with letting her go a long time ago," Steve admitted with a bittersweet smile.
"Turns out, I became the butt of the joke," he quipped lightly, masking his pain with humor.
Steve smiled, "I just ended up being the subject of ridicule."
"But believe me, I never meant to ridicule you," he reassured.
Damien gracefully placed his teacup down and reminisced, "Back then, I was like you."
"But," he continued, his gaze tenderly fixed on Cherise, "Cherry and Savannah, they're in a league of their own."
Bewildered, Cherise couldn't grasp why the conversation had suddenly turned to her.
"So Cherry too…" Steve's brow furrowed as he spoke softly, seeking clarification.
"It was for her grandmother," Damien explained simply.
Damien's smile carried a hint of reminiscence. "I've also wondered before, if she had feelings for someone else…