Ch. 1051..1060

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1051-A Mystery Call Cherise's eyes widened as she asked, "If I had feelings for someone else back then, would you have let me go?"

Damien's voice was firm as he replied, "I wouldn't have allowed anyone to come between us. I would have ensured that person regretted ever stepping into your life, and I would have done whatever it took to keep you by my side."

Cherise's silence spoke volumes as she processed Damien's words.

"Your confidence is truly admirable," Damien acknowledged.

Cherise couldn't grasp Damien's intentions, but Steve understood them effortlessly.

"You've got the confidence, the charm, the belief that Cherise wouldn't look twice at anyone else," he said, a wry smile playing on his lips as he lowered his head. "But me? I'm cut from a different cloth."

"Winning her heart with my appearance alone? That's nothing but a pipe dream," Steve confessed, his tone tinged with self-doubt as he glanced down at the coffee table.

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  1051/1090  "Why do you say that?" Cherise retorted, frustration evident in her voice as she slammed her hand on the coffee table.

"Your love for her surpasses Trent's, despite your unconventional looks,"

Cherise remarked, her tone gentle yet firm.

Steve was visibly surprised, meeting Cherise's gaze with uncertainty. "Is that really how you see it?"

"Do I love her more than Trent?" Steve asked, seeking validation.

"Absolutely," Cherise affirmed, her conviction unwavering.

Gritting her teeth, she continued, "You think Trent's a better match for her, but have you ever stopped to think?"

"If you were in Savannah's shoes, financially challenged, would you expect her to sacrifice her education and career to support you through school?"

Trent fell silent for a beat. "I'd let go of my own ambitions," he confessed.

"That's what sets you apart from Trent!"

Cherise pursed her lips, reassuring, "You don't need to doubt yourself; you're just as deserving as Trent!"

Trent smiled faintly, his gaze distant. "Words won't change anything at this point," he murmured, setting down his cup with a sigh. "Moving on from her might take some time."

Cherise nodded understandingly. "Even if you can't forget, it's okay. I've learned to accept it," she replied softly.

Steve rose from his seat with effortless poise. "You've made the journey back to Shawbury; I'm sure you've got some important matters to handle," he remarked gently.

"Go on and take care of your business," he added, his demeanor gracious and understanding.

Finally, he cast a grateful glance at Cherise. "You're still the same, always there when I need you," he said, a touch of admiration in his voice.

"In times of trouble, your unwavering support never falters," he acknowledged warmly.

Cherise nodded, her lips pursed in quiet determination. "It's the least I can offer," she replied humbly.

As they traveled back, Cherise rested her head against the cool glass of the car window. Her eyelids fell shut in an attempt to summon memories of her high school days.

Yet, like elusive shadows, the recollections refused to materialize, leaving her grasping at the fleeting remnants of the past.

It felt as though her memories were imprisoned behind a locked door. She stood before it, searching for the key that would grant her access to the forgotten past.

"Let it be," came the gentle advice, a beacon of solace amidst the labyrinth of her mind.

As they arrived at the hotel, Damien gracefully opened the car door and lifted her out.

"Even if your memory hadn't been lost," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "the current situation would still be beyond your control."

He continued, "The issues between Steve and Savannah are theirs to resolve; we can only offer support from afar."

Cherise sank into Damien's comforting embrace. "What other options do we have?" she sighed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Damien's gaze softened. "Steve's in a difficult spot," he acknowledged with empathy.

"Yeah," Cherise agreed softly, her heart heavy with empathy for their friend's plight.

"In relationships, it's crucial for both parties to find common ground; meddling too much can often backfire."

The man's words added to Cherise's growing sense of dismay.

Back at the hotel, Damien left promptly after receiving a call from the company.

Alone in the room, Cherise lay on the bed. She took out her phone. She was about to browse news to lift her spirits when a stranger added her on WhatsApp.

The individual added her with the message: "Look who's still hanging around, Chubster."

Assuming it was the chubby boy from the earlier wedding, Cherise added him without hesitation.

"How did you get my WhatsApp?"

Upon adding him, Cherise inquired immediately.

"If I recall correctly, at the last wedding, she only exchanged pleasantries with those old classmates, and it seems contact details weren't shared," he noted.

"And naturally, I've got your WhatsApp, Cherise," he added confidently.

Soon, the person on the phone retorted, "Not only do I have your WhatsApp, but I also have your phone number. If you doubt me, go ahead, pick up the phone, and check.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1052-The Sinister Ultimatum As Cherise was about to react, a mysterious number lit up her phone.

She narrowed her eyes and answered, "Hello?"

"Cherry."

The voice on the other end sent a chill down her spine.

"If I can't have you, I'll make sure you're destroyed,"

The hoarse male voice on the other end of the line was laced with madness and malice as he delivered the chilling ultimatum That voice…

A name she had hoped never to hear again began to reverberate in her mind's darkest corners… Her heart constricted with dread. "Sebastian!?"

"Yes," came the ominous confirmation.

The man's sinister sneer cut through the air like a blade. "I didn't think you'd recognize my voice, not in this state. Do those pathetic feelings for me still Home Categories  Search…

  1052/1090  linger, despite everything?"

Cherise pressed her lips together, trembling with fear, ready to end the call.

But Sebastian's relentless interrogation continued with a chilling edge. "Did today's wedding bring back memories, Cherise?"

"You and Savannah were quite close back in high school, weren't you?"

"And we both know how sentimental you can be. Remember when Savannah saved your life…"

"If her boyfriend handed her over to me, what would you do?"

Cherise's breath caught in her throat. "Impossible!"

Gritting her teeth, she asked, "Sebastian, what do you want?"

"I don't want anything," Sebastian replied calmly.

The man's cold chuckle echoed through the phone. "I've been deserted by everyone. My father, my sister—they've all abandoned me."

"All my assets are frozen, and Damien has seized control of my Weiss Group."

"Your father's punishment has left me crippled, Cherise. I barely escaped with my life. What more can I do to you?"

His voice dripped with terror as he confessed, "I'm scared."

His words oozed with a chilling mixture of madness and malevolence. "Your family's history and connections terrify me, Cherise."

"I refrain from confronting you directly."

"But there are plenty of other targets…"

"Starting with Savannah, Lucy, Mandy, and the most recent addition… Heather."

Cherise's grip tightened on the phone, her body breaking into a cold sweat.

She gritted her teeth and spat, "Sebastian, you're out of your mind!"

A sinister chuckle emanated from the other end. "Yes, I am insane. But you pushed me to this, Cherise."

"I've made up my mind. Before I indulge in their final moments, I'll make sure they understand they're innocent."

"Under no circumstances should they cross paths with you."

Cherise's anger surged, propelling her to rise from the bed, teeth clenched.

"How dare you!"

"I've got nothing left," Sebastian's voice held a bitter edge. I want you, but your husband and your father are standing in my way."

"So, I'll have to up my game."

"I've hit rock bottom, no fear left. I'll make sure all your friends stay far away from you…"

"By the way, if memory serves me right, your foster father in Shaw's village has two children, doesn't he?"

Cherise's breath caught in her throat. "Sebastian!"

"Fine, that's all I have for now. But remember, block my WhatsApp and number, and you'll miss out on my livestream."

With a menacing click, he hung up abruptly.

Cherise clutched the phone tightly, her heart thumping as if it were a separate entity within her chest, threatening to burst free.

The realization of Sebastian's depravity left her reeling, her mind unable to reconcile such darkness with the world she knew.

What sinister motives drove him to such depths of depravity?

Last night, Beckham revealed that the inspection agency had detained him.

Since he hadn't committed serious crimes like murder or arson—only spreading rumors—there was no solid evidence to convict him. Therefore, he had to face punishment for civil crimes.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1053-The Looming Threat Sebastian's swift release sent shockwaves through her, and his calls echoed with a newfound ferocity.

And the women he singled out in his accusations… Today, she discovered Savannah and remembered Lucy and her father's past mention of affection.

So, who exactly was Heather?

Did she have any more female friends that she couldn't remember?

Just then, her phone buzzed with a photo from Sebastian, taken by Trent from a selfie perspective.

In the background, a mysterious figure sat, their head lowered and their features hidden. However, their wedding dress bore a striking resemblance to Savannah's earlier that day.

The photo came with a chilling message from Sebastian: "In just two days, she'll be in my bed."

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  1053/1090  "I'm sure you wouldn't want your friend to suffer, would you? So why not come and take her place in my bed?"

Sebastian's words ignited such fury in Cherise that she almost dropped her phone.

Damien's phone call was an update from his subordinate regarding Sebastian's location: "He's headed to the city next to Shawbury, Calais, and has already secured accommodations."

"Mr. Lenoir, I just spotted him making a call in his room… Should we intercept the signal?"

Damien's gaze hardened. "No need."

"He's too smart for that. If we intercept, he'll sniff it out in no time."

"Your job now is to stick to him like glue, don't let him catch wind of anything."

"Got it."

After the call, Damien tasked someone with investigating Savannah and Trent's whereabouts.

Although these two individuals had no ties to him, Savannah had been Cherise's close friend and had aided her in escaping a car accident.

Even without Cherise saying a word, he knew the innocent girl would be drawn into this mess.

So he handled it quietly.

Once everything was set, he headed back to the hotel.

"Mr. Lenoir."

As Damien strode into the lobby, the butler rushed over to him. "Ms. Shaw needs to see you right away. She asked for you."

He furrowed his brow. "What's wrong?"

"Ms. Shaw… she's quite upset," the butler sighed.

"She got a call from Sebastian about Savannah…" he trailed off.

Damien's eyes flashed with a hint of rage. "Sebastian…"

He remembered what his subordinate had mentioned on the phone earlier.

"Sebastian was seen making a call…"

With that thought in mind, he brushed past the butler, ascended the stairs, and entered the room.

Cherise stood by the door, awaiting his arrival.

As Damien crossed the threshold, she flew into his embrace, her arms encircling his neck with fervor. With a gentle tilt of her head, she pressed her lips against his in a tender, passionate kiss—a moment where their hearts beat as one in the throes of affection.

The sudden gesture momentarily took aback the man. "Cherry…"

"Don't say anything, just kiss me," she whispered urgently, her voice filled with longing.

Cherise's face was pale, her breathing erratic. "Damien, kiss me, quickly," she implored, her eyes filled with desperation and desire.

Damien's silence echoed loudly in the room, his eyes speaking volumes as they met hers.

What had gotten into her?

Taking a deep breath, he firmly held her hand, gently prying the woman who clung to him away. "Mr. Hampson mentioned you received a call from Sebastian and were very emotional."

"You urgently requested him to bring me back…"

His gaze, as intense as a storm gathering on the horizon, pierced her. "Just for this?"

Cherise pursed her lips, reluctant to divulge too much. Her sole focus now was to regain her memory as quickly as possible.

She refused to be exploited!

She demanded to understand the importance of these friends!

She yearned to rediscover the loved ones she had forgotten!

She was determined to protect them at all costs!

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1054-A Playful Tease Sebastian was spot on; those folks had done everything correctly. They just knew her and ended up becoming friends.

So, because they were implicated because of her, it made sense for her to take on the responsibility of protecting them, right?

The first order of business was getting her memory back… In that scenario, romance wasn't exactly her thing.

But now that she was in the loop, the fastest route to jog her memory!

The woman took a deep breath and gazed up at Damien. "Yes, that's it," she said.

Damien narrowed his eyes, his gaze intensifying. "And the reason?" he pressed.

"Because we're husband and wife! Because I love you!" she declared.

"That's not good enough," the man asserted, his grip tightening on her hand.

"You were dead set against this before," he reminded her.

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  1054/1090  Damien's icy gaze bore into her. "Why the sudden change of heart after talking to Sebastian?" he interrogated.

"What's gotten into you?" she shot back.

Cherise pursed her lips, momentarily at a loss for words. As the weight of the situation settled heavily upon her, she found it challenging to discuss the idea of using him to restore her memory.

She then raised her eyes, stubbornly and earnestly locking her gaze with his.

"Don't ask," she insisted.

"I just want to be close to you," she murmured.

As she spoke, she leaned in toward him, her movements conveying a sense of urgency and longing.

Damien hesitated as he sensed her intent to lunge at him. He didn't want to cause her harm, but her determination made him cautious in his defense.

Despite his reservations, he could not resist the allure of a determined woman charging towards him.

In the end, he yielded to Cherise's relentless allure.

He gently cupped her chin, his icy gaze piercing hers. "Are you absolutely certain?" he inquired firmly.

She playfully pushed his hand away, her lips grazing his chin teasingly. "Yes, I'm sure," she affirmed, her desire evident in her voice and actions.

Faced with the irresistible allure of the woman he deeply loved, Damien, acknowledging his human frailty, ultimately succumbed to temptation.

The drawn curtains cast a dim glow across the room, the soft illumination of the wall lamp highlighting the scene as everything spiraled out of control.

A deluge of memories flooded Cherise's mind, overwhelming her senses as a whirlwind of emotions and recollections engulfed her.

Cherise closed her eyes in the softly lit room as the curtains gently swayed.

Before him, after him.

Every single memory, without exception.

All those memories rushed back like a tide, sweeping her away in a whirlwind of emotions, and each moment with him painted a vivid picture of their romantic journey together.

She clung to Damien for an entire afternoon, her grip tightening with each passing moment.

By evening, her memories had nearly fully returned, flooding back like a cascade of emotions.

After a simple meal, she dragged Damien into a second round of intimacy, and her desire was undeniable.

Damien was bewildered. "I even suspect you took the wrong medication," he remarked incredulously.

Cherise blushed, playfully kissing his chin. "Isn't this the game you used to enjoy?" she teased.

"I can even tolerate you eating cream cake now," Damien quipped with a smirk.

The man's dark pupils suddenly contracted, a flash of realization crossing his features.

He jolted and pulled away from the woman kissing him. "You…" he uttered, his voice filled with shock and confusion.

Damien's eyes flickered with a blend of suspicion and surprise. "Do you even know how to eat cream cake?" he questioned.

"Of course," Cherise replied confidently. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she leaned in to kiss him.

As their lips met, she demonstrated her answer with playful tenderness, leaving Damien momentarily speechless.

The next moment, he lifted her, holding her tightly against his chest. "I don't remember sharing such intimate details with you," he remarked, his tone questioning yet tender.

"Yes," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Cherise took a deep breath, her voice warm and gentle, "So my husband is still quite chivalrous."

"You didn't take advantage of my amnesia to eat cream cake, nor did you dismiss the individuals in the villa and pester me all day," she continued, her tone teasing yet appreciative.

Damien remained silent.

"I didn't mention dismissing the individuals in the villa and pestering you all day."

"I remember now," she gasped.

Cherise melted against his chest, a gentle sigh escaping her lips. "At this point… I won't keep anything from you anymore," she whispered, her words carrying a sweet sincerity that warmed Damien's heart.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1055-A Whisper of Hope "I have actually found a way to recover my memories," she revealed, her voice tinged with excitement yet laced with determination.

She gazed into his eyes, her clear gaze serious, as if peering into the depths of his soul. "The method to regain memories is not to simply imitate Ian, nor is it to blindly retrace the same path," she explained, her words carrying a weight of wisdom born from experience.

Then, the woman gently pressed her lips against his, silently promising the coming revelation. "It's like this," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, her touch igniting a spark of hope in his heart.

As her lips met him, Damien's eyes flickered with surprise before blossoming into joy. It was a moment of pure connection, sparking hope and understanding. In that brief touch, a world of memories seemed to awaken, promising a journey of rediscovery.

He locked eyes with her, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "So, is that why you've been so hell-bent on guiding me through all of this?"

Cherise's cheeks flushed, and her eyes glinted with a playful sparkle. "Well, honey, you're a bit like a tool…"

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  1055/1090  He chuckled, leaning in closer. "I don't mind being your handyman."

He pulled her close, his eyes searching hers with intensity. "Have all your memories returned?"

Cherise shook her head earnestly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Not all, there are still some places that haven't… um—!"

He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "We'll figure it out together, no matter where those memories hide."

Before she could finish her sentence, he silenced her with a kiss, his lips meeting hers with a tender urgency. The world around them seemed to disappear as they embraced each other.

He whispered in her ear, a smirk dancing on his lips, "If I had known this could help you regain your memories…"

"I wouldn't have endured it for so long."

Cherise finally understood what it meant to feel so good, but it was almost unbearable.

And Damien kept her occupied until noon the next day.

Even after she confirmed that she had regained all her memories, this man showed no signs of letting her go.

He leaned in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Darling, you have no idea how tough it was for me to hold back."

Cherise feigned protest, a playful glint in her eyes. "And do you have any clue how hard it is for me now!?"

With a teasing pinch on her cheek, he chuckled. "Maybe you should hit the gym, darling. Your stamina could use a boost."

Cherise's silence spoke volumes, her gaze holding a mixture of intrigue and anticipation.

It wasn't that her stamina was weak.

Even a woman with exceptional stamina wouldn't have been able to keep up with a man like him, alright?

So she gently disengaged herself from his embrace, murmuring, "I'm afraid my stamina doesn't quite measure up to Mr. Lenoir's pace. Perhaps he should seek someone more… compatible."

Before she could finish her sentence, he swiftly pulled her back into the bed, showering her with a torrent of passionate kisses.

As Damien's advances on Cherise escalated, a sudden phone call from Steve abruptly and unwelcomely halted their intimate moment.

"Cherry, can you get a hold of Savannah?"

Steve's voice on the other end of the line had shifted from despair to a more subdued and detached tone. "I've been trying to reach her, and Trent, but no luck."

Cherise slipped out of Damien's embrace, questioning, "Why are you still looking for her?"

With a smile, Steve explained, "As I was sorting through things today, I remembered that Sav was determined to get our marriage certificate, and I still have it."

"I firmly believe that if she wants to go, she should do it cleanly, without taking my marriage certificate and running off with another man," he asserted.

"It's for the best, for me, for her, and for Trent."

Steve's tone was devoid of emotion, as flat as a calm sea at dusk. Yet, Cherise couldn't ignore the subtle undercurrent of sorrow beneath his words.

With her memories restored, Cherise now appeared entirely different from the woman who had merely sympathized with him the day before.

Taking a deep breath, she looked Steve in the eye, her voice filled with wisdom. "Steve, you don't have to overthink everything for her."

"In the end, it's you who's most affected by this."

"What you need to do is focus on living your own life well. As for divorce and all that, if Savannah needs it, she'll find her way back to you."

The woman's words prompted a self-deprecating chuckle from Steve on the other end of the line. "Yeah, I guess I have been overthinking things."

Cherise closed her eyes and released a sigh.

Steve had been right yesterday.

She remembered from high school that Steve had feelings for Savannah.

Savannah didn't understand love at the time. However, she acknowledged that Steve had a kind heart despite not being conventionally attractive.

His deep affection for Savannah manifested in the clandestine ritual of stocking her desk drawer with snacks daily, a subtle yet heartfelt gesture of his devotion.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1056-Steve's Moment of Truth Savannah believed that Trent had sent all of these delectable treats.

In a fit of anger, Cherise brought Steve before Savannah. She hoped he would admit that he was the sender.

However, the timid man couldn't muster the courage to speak before his crush. He ended up leaving, his heart heavy with disappointment.

"I've said my piece," Trent stated, his smile carrying a hint of bitterness.

"Apologies for any trouble."

As he was about to hang up, Cherise stopped him.

"Steve," she exhaled deeply, gathering her courage. I genuinely believe you're the one for Savannah. You're dependable and trustworthy…everything Trent isn't."

"Thanks," Steve responded earnestly. "I value your candor."

Cherise's lips tightened. "I'm not buttering you up. I'm at the Northern Star Hotel. Swing by; there's crucial Savannah business to discuss."

A beat of silence passed before Steve acquiesced. "Alright. I'll be there."

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  1056/1090  After hanging up, Cherise drew a deep breath and caught the eye of a man with hidden agendas. "Rise and shine! Steve's on his way!"

Damien narrowed his gaze. "You could've spilled the beans over the phone."

"Inviting him in person adds a touch of intrigue," she elucidated.

He tousled her hair reassuringly. "Relax, I'm not falling for it. We'll pick up where we left off once Steve's gone."

Cherise pondered inwardly, "This guy's sharp and insightful…"

She'd asked Steve over to soothe both herself and Damien, but he swiftly saw through their intentions.

Thirty minutes later, Steve sat waiting in the Northern Star Hotel restaurant.

Cherise stood poised and ready to go. But before leaving, Damien couldn't resist stealing a passionate kiss, leaving lipstick smudges on his suit.

Together, they returned to the room to freshen up their appearances.

In that moment, Damien embraced Cherise tenderly, savoring the opportunity to share a passionate moment of intimacy with her.

When they finally met Steve, he had already finished two cups of coffee.

"Apologies for the wait," Cherise said.

Steve smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on Cherise's lips. "You two seem pretty tight."

Realizing his insinuation, Cherise blushed. "Let's stick to the matter at hand:

Savannah."

"Savannah's en route to Calais with her ex," Damien stated casually. "Turns out Trent's 'business trip' was a lie."

"He's one of my employees," Damien continued, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Keeping tabs on him is a breeze."

Steve grasped the situation.

"Maybe Trent just wanted to whisk her away," he suggested optimistically.

"Their relationship seems strong, even if he fibbed with good intentions."

Cherise shook her head and advised, "Steve, don't be too trusting."

Steve noticed a shift in Cherise's demeanor from the day before.

Now warm, friendly, and approachable, she was unlike the distant and formal person he had encountered before.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1057-Confronting the Unthinkable Truth As Steve gazed at her in a daze, Cherise took a deep breath and got straight to the point, her voice low and intense, "Trent's using Savannah in Calais, pure exploitation."

Steve's eyes widened in shock, his jaw dropping slightly.

"Yes, you heard me correctly," Cherise confirmed, her tone steady and unwavering.

Cherise paused dramatically, her gaze intense as she spoke, "Though I can't confirm, word is Savannah's boyfriend struck a deal with Trent. Money changed hands, and Savannah found herself in Trent's web."

Damien's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. "Sounds like you've hit a nerve."

Cherise nodded solemnly. "Sebastian's definitely in Calais."

The bombshells from Cherise and Damien jolted Steve. His chair scraped against the floor with a thunderous echo as he sprung to his feet.

Staring at them in disbelief, he questioned, "You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

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  1057/1090  "How is this even possible!"

His face drained of color, leaving him pale as he scrutinized Cherise and Damien. Their solemn expressions, etched with gravity, left no room for doubt – they were deadly serious.

Yet… "This is impossible."

As panic surged through him, Steve's reflexes took over. He recoiled, his movements wild and uncontrolled, causing him to stumble backward. He collided with the chair with a sudden jolt, sending it tumbling to the floor in a chaotic cascade of wood and fabric.

The thunderous crash of the chair reverberated through the restaurant, instantly seizing the attention of every patron within earshot. Heads turned sharply, conversations halted, and all eyes fixated on the source of the commotion.

Brushing off the disturbance, Steve shook his head in disbelief. "You can't be serious…"

"I've met Trent face-to-face…"

"He poured his heart out about his undying love for Savannah…"

"We pored over their photos, watched videos of their bliss… it all felt so real."

"Trent and Savannah have been together for at least seven or eight years… He wouldn't betray her like this," Steve muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

"It's implausible… If… if Trent truly betrayed her…"

"Then I might as well have lured Savannah into a trap…"

Raising his eyes to meet Cherise's, he pleaded, "Cherry, you're joking, aren't you?"

Cherise locked eyes with him, but her silence spoke volumes.

With a heavy heart, Steve slumped into the chair, his hands running through his hair in a gesture of remorse. "I… I can't believe I may have led Sav into this…"

As Cherise observed Steve's demeanor, a wave of melancholy washed over her, punctuated by a sharp pang of sadness.

Despite the passage of years, he remained unchanged from high school.

Despite the years that had passed, he hadn't changed a bit from his high school days.

Savannah always had his heart.

Once the beacon of solace in times past, it was now Cherise who exhaled a weary sigh.

The weight of responsibility still bore down upon her shoulders, a burden she could not shake.

She deeply breathed and reassured Steve, "Steve, this isn't your fault."

"Even after all those years together, Sav couldn't see through Trent's facade.

Your recent run-in with him? Not your fault," Cherise reassured.

"Now's not the time for beating yourself up. We've got to find Savannah and Trent, pronto," she emphasized.

Steve hesitated, then nodded firmly, "Hmm."

"Did you reach out to Trent first?" Damien asked, his voice gentle, brows furrowed in concern.

Steve nodded in affirmation. "Yeah."

"I tracked down Trent's old high school buddy, got his digits, and made the first move," Steve explained.

"But with everything going on, chances are slim he'll pick up my calls," he added, a hint of frustration in his tone.

"Hmm."

Damien's brow furrowed. "Does his high school buddy have his address?"

Steve paused, realization dawning. "He's gotta know."

Without another word, he swiftly retrieved his phone and dialed a number, determination flashing in his eyes.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1058-Uncovering Sebastian's Schemes Before long, a voice resonated from the other line.

"You calling about Trent's hometown?"

"Yeah, he's from a small mountain village near Shawbury. I'll shoot you the address soon."

"Wait, you're telling me you haven't discovered his location? You said a few days back you were looking."

After a quick chat with his classmate, Steve hung up and received the information he wanted.

The village lay not too distant from Shawbury, an area marked by its poverty and lack of development.

As soon as Damien received the address, he swiftly passed it on to Blake and Otto, outlining their task: locate Trent's family, document their findings with photos and videos, and relay the information.

With the plan underway, Cherise furrowed her brow and turned to Damien, her curiosity piqued. "Earlier, you mentioned your team was keeping tabs on Trent and Savannah. Why not intercept them?"

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  1058/1090  Damien stood up casually and pulled Cherise into an embrace. Then he gestured for Steve to join them in leaving. Together, the trio made their exit from the restaurant. "It's true that we need to hinder their movements,"

Damien agreed as they were strolling.

"However, we must exercise caution."

As the man guided Cherise and Steve into the car, his demeanor remained composed. "Sebastian was intentionally permitted to flee," he disclosed evenly.

Cherise's eyes bulged in disbelief. "Intentionally allowed to escape?" she echoed, struggling to grasp the revelation.

"Why?" she inquired, her confusion evident.

Prior to recovering her memories, Cherise had only associated Sebastian with deception.

Yet now, with her recollections fully restored…

Every detail of Sebastian's actions against Damien and herself flooded back to her.

No longer did she see him as the timid, pudgy boy from junior high school.

The current Sebastian embodied arrogance, self-absorption, moral distortion, and indifference.

His entire being reeked of antisocial tendencies, emanating an unsettling aura.

His wicked, intense, and distorted demeanor radiated an aura of danger.

As long as he roamed free, individuals like him constituted a significant threat to society at large.

Cherise couldn't comprehend why Damien had purposefully allowed him to escape.

As if reading Cherise's unspoken thoughts, Damien arched an eyebrow ever so slightly. "Because there was another party involved," he remarked, his tone contemplative.

"How did Sebastian, after years of fruitless searching, suddenly track you down so effortlessly?" Damien pressed on, his curiosity evident.

"How did Sebastian acquire such intimate knowledge of your background, experiences, and every detail about you?" Damien's questions hung in the air, leaving Cherise to tighten her lips in silent contemplation.

She grappled with Damien's words, their implications swirling in her mind.

Cherise had previously assumed that Sebastian's influence gave him the opportunity to find out detailed information concerning herself.

However, Damien's disclosure left her thoroughly baffled.

It was indeed puzzling.

Sebastian insisted he'd been hunting for her for six or seven years.

So why was there difficulty in locating her all that time, only to miraculously uncover her and possess such intimate knowledge about her?

And then there was Alexis.

Cherise hadn't even confided in Damien about Alexis!

"The other party who helped him was Gwenn," Damien's voice cut through the air.

His sneer deepened as he elaborated, "Alain, Sebastian's father, revealed this to me."

"Gwenn's influence stretches far and wide. It was through Alain's disclosure that I made the connection between Sebastian and her."

Cherise stood stunned, rendered momentarily speechless by the revelation.

"So… does Gwenn still have her hands in all of this?" Cherise's inquiry bore the weight of her persistence.

The woman's tenacity was undeniable.

In the past, she had orchestrated the maneuvers of the Mortis sisters. It seemed even Sebastian, too, was entangled in her web.

A bitter snicker escaped Cherise's lips. "I've exercised patience for far too long."

Over the years, Cherise had deliberately kept her distance from the Tanner family, refraining from asserting her claim to their wealth.

Instead, she chose a strategic approach to avoid head-on confrontations with Gwenn. Seeking refuge with the assistance of Wendy, she skillfully maneuvered through the intricate web of the group's affairs within the Tanner family, sidestepping potential conflicts with finesse.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1059-Maneuvering Calais Cherise's efforts to maintain peace went unnoticed by Gwenn, who saw her as a perpetual thorn in her side. Whenever Cherise found happiness, Gwenn couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy and bitterness.

"I've made a decision on your behalf without consulting you. You don't have to keep making any more compromises," Damien stated calmly, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window.

"The reason Sebastian is in this mess today is because he made a choice to follow Gwenn's words," Damien continued, his tone unwavering.

"Think about it," Damien posed, his words weighted with implication.

"Considering Sebastian's character, other than the obvious, what do you suppose he'll do once he's free?"

"He'll assemble allies to confront Gwenn and hold her accountable."

"Where are we headed now?" Steve's voice broke through their conversation, his gaze steadfastly fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window.

Seated in the passenger seat, Steve had little interest in getting acquainted with Damien and Cherise, two unfamiliar individuals.

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  1059/1090  He harbored no penchant for gossip or meddling in others' business.

His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Savannah.

If he knew the precise whereabouts of Savannah and Trent, he would undoubtedly prioritize rescuing Savannah without hesitation.

"Do not fret," Damien consoled, acknowledging Steve's pressing desire to assist the woman he cherished deeply. "We're on our way to Calais."

Seated at the steering wheel, Mr. Hampson sported a subtle grin as he affirmed, "Mr. Orborn, I'm an adept driver; please trust in my driving prowess."

"We'll catch up with them before their encounter."

Steve found some relief upon hearing their reassurances, though it proved to be short-lived.

He tightened his lips, his expression serious. "You lot aren't locals, so you probably don't know Calais as well as I do."

His stare grew more intense. "Calais isn't like Adania. It's a smaller city, incomparable in size. If they've made it to the outskirts by now, no matter how fast we drive, we won't get there in time…"

Mr. Hampson nodded knowingly. "Mr. Lenoir foresaw this situation as soon as he found out they were heading to Calais."

"Don't be troubled," he reassured Steve. "Mr. Lenoir has come up with a plan to stop them from meeting."

Steve cast a skeptical glance at the calm figure seated in the back through the rearview mirror. "Seriously?"

Calais, compact as it was, could be encircled within an hour.

Yet, their voyage from Shawbury to Calais required a minimum of two hours.

Two hours was sufficient time for Trent and Sebastian to engage in a casual cup of tea!

This awareness kept him restless and on edge.

Drawing in a deep breath, he addressed Damien. "Do you have any recommendations to thwart their meeting before we arrive in Calais?"

"It's rather straightforward," Damien replied with a faint smile, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the horizon. "Despite its compactness, Calais boasts several chain companies."

Cherise nodded, her eyes narrowing in thought. "The Lenoir Group has a branch in Calais, doesn't it?"

With a light tousle of Cherise's hair, he proposed, "What if, by some stroke of luck, Calais were to face security issues at a few companies today? That could prompt citywide inspections and cause significant traffic congestion."

Steve's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the notion. "Wait, are you implying…

you directed your company in Calais to raise concerns and then coordinated with the fire department for a large-scale inspection?"

Damien's smile widened, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Not just any inspection, but a thorough one."

Then, he shrugged nonchalantly, his voice calm and assured. "I'll work with some reliable partners to arrange a day off for employees and help the city tackle its safety issues. Don't worry, I'll make it work."

Steve's response was a stunned silence.

As a businessman, Steve grasped the substantial financial implications of a major corporation suspending operations for a day to accommodate a safety inspection. But there was a nagging feeling that this was about more than just financial setbacks.

Not only was Damien's own company slated for inspection, but he was also orchestrating the same process with several partner companies.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 1060-Trent's Conundrum Unfolds Despite knowing that these partners would undoubtedly demand certain conditions to offset potential losses, Damien remained resolute in his decision. He was willing to risk a substantial amount of money to prevent Trent from sending Savannah to Sebastian.

It struck Steve as perplexing. For Savannah, she was merely a friend whom Cherise had lost touch with for seven or eight years. As for Damien, he was basically an unknown person to Savannah, hardly even qualifying as a friend.

Yet, here he was, willing to extend his help through such complicated means to help them.

Steve drew in a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Damien with a mixture of admiration and respect. "Cherry has found a remarkable man."

Cherise, nestled comfortably in Damien's embrace, understood the sentiment behind Steve's words. She smiled softly and remarked, "I'm sure you'd help us if we found ourselves in a similar situation."

Steve gazed at them softly, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

Deep down, he knew that if he were in Damien's position, he might not possess the same level of generosity and selflessness.

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  1060/1090  ------ Meanwhile, in Calais.

Trent's impatience was palpable as he leaned forward in the taxi, his gaze fixed on the gridlocked road ahead. "Driver, why aren't we moving? What's causing this delay?"

Sitting in the backseat of the taxi, he couldn't understand the reason for the unexpected delay.

The driver's expression turned sympathetic. "It's a citywide safety inspection today, sir," he explained calmly. "All the big companies are rushing to clear out their vehicles, causing quite the traffic jam."

After delivering his explanation, the driver stole a brief glance at Trent in the back seat, his eyes holding a hint of uncertainty. "If you're really pressed for time, would you prefer to just take your suitcase with you and leave?"

Trent's features tightened with a mixture of apprehension and contemplation, his gaze instinctively drawn towards the suitcase resting beside him.

It was a substantial case adorned with numerous ventilation holes along its back. Within its confines lay…

Savannah, the woman he had drugged.

It wasn't merely a matter of disregarding their shared history; rather, it boiled down to the fact that this woman held a monetary value of five hundred thousand.

A sum so significant that a man had offered it to Trent in exchange for just one night with Savannah.

Closing his eyes, Trent grappled with the weight of that considerable sum— five hundred thousand dollars.

Enough to secure a respectable down payment on a house, with ample left over to furnish it to his liking.

However, despite Trent's intentions, Savannah adamantly refused. She declared she would rather face death than be with any man other than him.

Undeterred by her refusal and driven by his fixation on securing a future with Savannah, Trent resorted to drastic measures and forcibly kidnapped her away.

For Trent, the identity of Savannah's past suitors mattered little. As long as he could amass the funds necessary to purchase a home and provide for Savannah within the confines of a marriage, he believed he could ensure her happiness.

In his mind, Trent's plan appeared foolproof. Yet, he hadn't accounted for the unexpected congestion plaguing the typically quiet streets of Calais that day.

On one side, Trent felt the relentless pressure from Sebastian, pushing him towards a decision. On the other…

He stole a quick glance at the silent suitcase.

Inside, Savannah was on the brink of waking from her drugged state.

Just as Trent's brow furrowed, contemplating his next move and preparing to implore the taxi driver to hasten their journey, the taxi door abruptly swung open.

The figure stepping inside was none other than the groom of the girl he had spirited away just the day before—Steve.

"Where is Savannah?" Steve's voice was thick with anger, his eyes blazing as they bore into Trent.

"Tell me where she is!"

The driver glanced nervously at the both of them, afraid he might witness an assault happening.

Trent compressed his lips firmly, his eyes instinctively darting towards the suitcase positioned beside him. A slight shift within it drew his attention, adding to the tension mounting in the confined space of the taxi.

For a fleeting moment, Steve's eyes betrayed a hint of sympathy before he decisively reached for the suitcase. "Trent, you're not the person I thought you were!"

Before Trent could muster a response, the door on the opposite side swung open, admitting another unexpected visitor.

This time, a man dressed in black stepped into the vehicle.

The stranger flashed a disarming smile at Trent before addressing him directly, "You're from Cremia Village, right?"

Trent's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he regarded the newcomer. "Who are you?"

With an inscrutable smile that failed to reach his eyes, Damien produced his phone and opened a photo sent to him by Blake. Holding it out to Trent, he remarked, "Let's see… this should be your dad, right? The lady beside him would be your mom, then?"