Ch. 771..780

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 771- Pierogi Or Yourself Cherise was filled with excitement as she nestled in Damien’s arms, eager to inquire about his plans. Unbeknownst to her, the car had come to a stop. “Alright, time to get out,” Damien said, amused by Cherise’s enthusiasm. He playfully tweaked her nose. “Are you hungry?” Surprised by his question, Cherise instinctively glanced out of the car window, only to realize they had parked in front of a restaurant. The signboard read, ‘Ziphon’s Famous Seared Trout.’ Seared trout! Just the sight of those words sent her into a frenzy of excitement. Cherise passionately kissed Damien’s cheek before hastily exiting the car. “Seared trout, here I come!” She was in high spirits and determined to indulge in a feast. However, Cherise did not anticipate that, apart from seared trout, every other dish in this restaurant was spicy. Damien couldn’t handle spicy food. She vividly remembered how Damien had made himself ill by consuming spicy food when they were in Lermille. Cherise pursed her lips and hesitated. “Shall we go somewhere else?” She recalled that neither she nor Damien ate much at Miles Manor. Damien only had a few bites. Although she loved seared trout, it didn’t feel right to enjoy food while he could only watch. “It’s okay,” Damien reassured her, ruffling her hair. He then ordered the food Cherise liked. “Do you have a non-spicy side dish?” The waiter was surprised but quickly nodded. “We do…” “Bring me one of your non-spicy side dishes,” Damien said with a smile, returning the menu to the waiter. “Please hurry. My wife is hungry.” The waiter had overheard Cherise’s words and knew Damien couldn’t handle spicy food. But since Cherise loved spicy food, he was willing to endure eating a bland side dish to keep her happy. Realizing this, the waiter sighed. “What a fortunate wife.” “Hurry up,” Damien said, waving his hand. “If my wife changes her mind, you won’t be able to earn my money.” The waiter immediately dashed off to prepare the food. Cherise pursed her lips and looked at Damien with a hint of helplessness. “Why are you torturing yourself like this? We can go to another place. This isn’t the only place that serves seared trout.” “But this place has the best seared trout in Ziphon,” Damien replied, smiling as he poured a glass of water for Cherise. We don’t come here often. I want you to taste the best.” Cherise blushed at his affectionate tone. She pursed her lips, accepted the glass he offered, and smiled shyly. “We’ll eat what you like tomorrow.” “Sure.” Damien said, smiling at her. “But what I like to eat isn’t found in a restaurant. I enjoyed your handmade pierogi.” “Il make them for you often!” Cherise said, looking at him shyly. “Let me know whenever you want them. I’ll make them for you.” Damien glanced at her body, his eyes gleaming with desire. “Are you offering me pierogi… or yourself?” Cherise was stunned. She blushed and glared at him. “You’re not serious!” But cream cake is also an option,” Damien added. Cherise was rendered speechless. Memories of him licking frosting off her body replayed in her mind. Her cheeks turned even redder. Soon, the waiter served the food. Seeing Cherise’s flushed face, the waiter suggested thoughtfully, “Ma’am, would you like me to turn on the air conditioning?” Cherise was stunned. What air conditioning?

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 772-’m Insignificant Have they never seen someone blush before?

Cherise had just enjoyed a particularly delightful and satisfying meal, After dinner, she and Damien returned to their hotel when her phone rang. It was Lyra calling.

“Cherise, what should I do?” Lyra’s voice was tearful on the other end of the line. “Zachary’s sister, Kareen, won’t let me stay by his side to take care of him.” “She called me clingy and told me to go away. She even said I’m not good enough for her brother…” Lyra was on the verge of tears. “I’ve been the one taking care of Zachary since he got injured. It’s been over an hour since I last saw him, and I feel so lost…” “I’m worried that the caregiver his sister hired won’t take proper care of him… Cherise, what should I do…” “Lyra, take a deep breath,” Cherise responded calmly. “First, tell me, what is your exact relationship with Zachary?” There was a pause on the other end of the line. “What… what do you mean?” “Are you two really engaged?” Cherise voiced the doubt she had been having for a while.

Lyra constantly claimed to be engaged to Zachary, and Zachary himself had said that he was bringing his fiancée to Adania. However, Lyra wasn’t acting like his fiancée.

For example, she didn’t defend herself when Kareen made derogatory remarks about her at the airport. And now, she had been dismissed by Kareen.

“I…” Lyra’s voice was faint. “Of course we are…” “Lyra, I can only help you if you’re honest with me.” Cherise spoke softly, “If I find out that you’re lying to me, I won’t be able to help you properly.” There was a long silence on the other end of the line. After a while, Lyra finally sighed. “Cherise, where are you? I’ll come to you.” In a coffee shop on the ground floor of the hotel, Lyra sat across from Cherise. “Cherise, I didn’t lie to you. We’re really engaged…” Her body was tense, and she nervously held onto her coffee cup. “But…” “But there’s no love between us.” The young girl looked down, slightly distressed. “No, that’s not right. He doesn’t have any feelings for me.” “I was the only one who truly cared for him from the beginning.” The girl looked up at Cherise with her bright eyes. “Cherise, do you know what it feels like to love someone who doesn’t love you back?” “I was afraid to approach him and get close to him. I also knew that he would never feel the same way about me. But I still wanted to watch him from a distance, secretly comfort him when he’s hurt, take care of him when he’s drunk, and leave before he wakes up.” “That’s what I’ve been doing all these years.” Lyra’s delicate fingers were wrapped around the coffee cup, Zachary is my senior. I’ve always admired him, but he’s too remarkable. He shines wherever he goes.

1.2 “And 1.. I’m too insignificant.” The girl looked at Cherise with an empty gaze. “I’ve known for all these years that there’s a girl he loves, and I know he traveled from Ziphon to Europe and Lermille for her.” Tve always followed and silently watched him from behind the scenes. He rarely drinks, but I always know when he does. He has been drinking a lot recently, and I went to take care of him

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 773-Cherise’s Recording “But then, he suddenly opened his eyes and asked me why I kept doing this. He admitted that he had known all along that I was secretly nurturing and caring for him.” “He asked if I wanted to be with him… I shook my head and tried to escape, but he pulled me back,” the girl narrated, her face slowly turning red. “It was a first for both of us that night…” “After he had sobered up from the alcohol the next day, he proposed to me and asked for my hand in marriage…” “I wasn’t sure if he just wanted to take responsibility for being the first man I slept with or… if he saw me as your replacement, but I accepted.” “After that… the car accident happened.” Lyra looked up at Cherise sincerely. “Cherise, I’ve been honest with you. I haven’t lied to you at all… Can you help me…” Cherise was surprised. Everything Lyra had shared was completely unexpected.

She pursed her lips. “So, are you still determined to marry Zachary?” “Mm-hmm!” The girl nodded earnestly. “He was the one who proposed to me. I didn’t force him to do it! I’m prepared to marry him. I’ll stay by his side even if he never wakes up.” “I used to only be able to admire him from a distance, but now I can finally be close to him, even if he’s unconscious. I don’t want to miss this opportunity!” She took out her phone and played an audio clip recording of her and Zachary.

“Zach! I’m so happy! Can… can I have you repeat it into my phone?” “Sure.” Zachary’s voice in the recording was cold yet polite. “Do I just speak normally?” “Yes…” “Alright. Ms. Lyra Quinnell, I, Zachary Miles, am proposing to you today. I hope you will marry me and stay with me for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” “I will! I will…” The recording abruptly ended.

After playing the recording, Lyra looked at Cherise hopefully. “If I use this recording to register our marriage, will others think I’m foolish?” “Absolutely not.” Cherise smiled. “You’re incredible.” She had to admit that she was moved by Lyra’s deep affection. So, this girl… has silently loved Zachary for many years.

Cherise had known Zachary for many years and knew he wasn’t impulsive. Since he had proposed to Lyra, he must have thought it through.

Taking a deep breath, she stood up, grabbed Lyra’s hand, and pulled her towards the door.

<

1/2 “To the hospital!” “To the hospital!?” “Yes.” She winked at Lyra casually. “Didn’t Kareen claim that you’re not worthy of taking care of Zachary? Let’s go there now and play this recording for her. Show her who’s really unworthy!” “I don’t think that’s very nice…” Lyra pursed her lips. “You’re the only one I’ve played this recording for, Cherise…” “Why are you afraid?” Cherise glanced at her. “If you want to marry Zachary, you must face these challenges.” “Zachary’s younger sister and family are like this. If you can’t handle Kareen, how will you manage being in their family in the future? You’ll be taking care of an unconscious husband while being tormented by your sister-in-law. You’ll be exhausted sooner or later!” As Cherise spoke, she had already guided Lyra into the car.

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 774-What Era Are We Living In?

Damien casually glanced at the assertive Cherise from the passenger seat of the car. “Are you finished with your conversation?” “Yes!” Cherise nodded. “After our discussion, it’s clear that Lyra is innocent!” She turned to Mr. Kolson. “Let’s go to the hospital!” “Off to confront Kareen?” Damien interrupted nonchalantly before Cherise could respond.

“Yes!” Cherise nodded emphatically. “I’m going to help Zachary and Lyra get married!” Mr. Kolson drove swiftly, and they arrived at the hospital in no time. When the car stopped, Cherise promptly pulled Lyra out and rushed into the hospital.

Zachary’s hospital room was on the top floor, as Kareen had arranged. Although Kareen was somewhat bothersome, it was undeniable that she cared deeply for Zachary in the Miles family. However, if Lyra were to marry into the family, she would become the one who cared most about Zachary.

As Cherise led Lyra to the top floor, Kareen was conversing with Zachary’s attending physician in the corridor. She intermittently wiped away her tears throughout their conversation.

Cherise noticed Kareen’s tear-streaked face from a distance, and her resentment towards Kareen for driving Lyra away subsided slightly. After all, Kareen was much better than those money-minded individuals in the Miles family.

“Why are you here?” Kareen spotted Cherise leading Lyra towards the room before she could approach.

“You’ve brought this troublesome woman back?” The worry and despair on Kareen’s face instantly turned into annoyance. “I’ll have you know that even though my brother is currently in a coma, his marriage is no laughing matter!” “Is this woman my brother’s fiancée just because she claims to be engaged to him?” She glared at Cherise. “Until I hear my brother acknowledge it, I won’t let this woman anywhere near him!” Cherise frowned at Kareen coldly. “Who gave you the authority to make decisions for your brother?” “You should ask yourself that question.” Kareen laughed in disbelief as her lips curled in scorn. “If it weren’t for you, my brother wouldn’t be in this state, would he?” “And this woman merely slept with my brother. What era are we living in? Is it mandated that a man and woman must marry each other if they sleep together?!” “And look at this woman.” Kareen glanced at Lyra coldly, her eyes filled with contempt. “Can’t you see how ordinary she is? How could she possibly be worthy of my brother?” “Don’t try to convince me further. I won’t listen to anything you say.” Kareen turned on her heel, grabbed the doctor, and briskly walked towards the ward.

Cherise furrowed her brows. She bit her lip, snatched the phone from the frightened Lyra beside her, and played the audio that Lyra had previously recorded.

“Zach! Tin overjoyed! Can… can I have you repeat it into my phone?

1/2 “Sure.” Zachary’s voice in the recording was cold yet polite. “Do I just speak normally?” “Yes…” “Alright. Ms. Lyra Quinnell, I, Zachary Miles, am proposing to you today. I hope you will marry me and stay with me for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” “I will! I will…” When Cherise played the recording, she distinctly saw Kareen freeze in place.

2/2

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 775-Chance For Redemption “Nice try to persuade me.

“Ortunately, it falls short.” Turning her head, she cast a challenging glance at Cherise. “But I’ll only believe it if you can prove that the recording is my brother’s voice and not a fake or clever imitation.” Cherise felt anger coursing through her, causing her temples to throb. Taking a deep breath, she locked eyes with Kareen, “You’re making this much more difficult than necessary!” Kareen turned away, fatigue and sadness etching lines on her flawless face. “Well, who started this mess?” She looked back at Cherise and said defiantly. “Whatever happens in the Miles family will be resolved among ourselves. We don’t need outsiders to interfere. I can take care of my brother. So, keep your unsolicited advice to yourself. I’m done with your nonsense!” eyes. “I already told you that you will not Her gaze then swept across Lyra’s face, a coldness settling in her eyes. see my brother again, and I stand by that.” Kareen stormed out, leaving an oppressive silence in the air.

Biting her lips, Cherise grappled with a sense o gainst Kareen’s stubborn determination.

Cherise found herself faltering under Kareen’s steady gaze and resolute demeanor. For a moment, she was unexpectedly unsure of what to do. She had always assumed that Lyra’s struggles with Kareen stemmed from her timid nature. But now, faced with Kareen’s unwavering resolve, Cherise felt a flicker of doubt.

After all, Zachary and Kareen were siblings by blood, and an outsider couldn’t easily replace the significance they held for each other.

In a silent gesture of support, she squeezed Lyra’s hand. “Don’t give up just yet. There’s always a way.” Just as their hope seemed to fade, a chillingly familiar voice cut through the silence. “Wait a second.” Damien stood behind her, arms folded, gaze fixed on Kareen’s retreating figure. “What if I could offer you and your brother a chance to regain the favor of the Miles family? A to tame your stepmother and half-brother? Would you be willing to listen to us?” Kareen’s body stiffened before she turned, “You? Solve our family’s problems?” she scoffed.

She and Zachary had been marginalized within the Miles family for far too long.

Their mother’s tragic death had barely been mourned before Walter married Patricia, who then gave birth to Chad within a mere six months. It further solidified Kareen and Zachary’s exclusion from their rightful place in the family.

Since then, Zachary and Kareen, siblings by blood, fell out of favor within the Miles family.

If it weren’t for Charisa, who later became the head of the family and took them under her wing, Kareen wouldn’t be the woman she is today. But with Charisa gone, they were all alone, Zachary was Kareen’s only pillar of support, and now… “Yes, I can.” Damien assured with a smile, “Ms. Miles, how about we sit down and discuss this? I believe I |||

1/2 can help you resolve the issues within the Miles family and your stepmother. In return, I ask for your respect towards your brother and Lyra’s choices.” Kareen pursed her lips, her mind racing. Finally, a slight frown appeared on her face. “Very well. I’m curious to hear how you, an outsider, plan to solve the complex situation within the Miles family in such a short time.” Damien, a figure of quiet confidence, crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. A calm smile remained on his lips. “It’s not that difficult. I can make it happen if you agree to allow your brother and Lyra to have their wedding.” “And if you fail?” Kareen challenged, her gaze unwavering.

M

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 776-chapter will update soon

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 777-Raymond’s Previous Love Interest Despite being Zachary’s sister, Kareen couldn’t accept the idea of Zachary marrying Lyra.

The doctor had informed her that Zachary might never wake up. So, marrying him would mean living as a widow, taking care of a man in a vegetative state with no guarantee of recovery.

Lyra deserved better, which led Kareen to use sarcasm and harshness to push her away.

To her annoyance, Lyra persisted. And now, she even brought Cherise and Damien along for Perhaps her feelings for Zachary were stronger than she initially thought.

support.

Realizing this, Kareen turned to Cherise and gave her a disapproving look. It was all Cherise’s fault! If it weren’t for her, my brother wouldn’t be in this condition, I wouldn’t be homeless, and Lyra wouldn’t be caught up in this mess!

Cherise was visibly affected by Kareen’s glare. Before she could say anything, Damien stepped in. His deep, cold voice sent shivers down Kareen’s spine.

“Ms. Miles, respect is a two-way street, even between partners. I suggest you put aside your prejudice against my wife. Consider this your first and final warning.” Damien’s threatening words made Kareen curse under her breath, “How dare he threaten me just because I gave his wife a disapproving look!” Kareen couldn’t resist a comeback. “I didn’t ask for your approval, so I don’t think you can set any rules for me!” She scoffed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s too early to act so arrogantly. So, Mr. Lenoir, how do you propose we deal with my stepmother?” Kareen had reached her limit with Patricia and Chad. She had discussed removing them from the Miles family with Zachary, but he consistently advised against it.

He argued that even without Patricia, Walter would always find other women. Their father never cared about Patricia and Chad, so their presence at home wouldn’t make any difference. Thus, Zachary refused to waste his energy on them.

However, now, with him in a coma, they had the audacity to kick her out! Unbelievable!

Damien spoke casually, “It’s very simple. All you need to do is send invitations to everyone connected to the Miles family, especially Nancy’s ex-husband and Old Mr. Miles- Horace Miles’ network. Oh, and don’t forget my uncle, Raymond Lenoir, under the pretense of a business proposal. Then, organize a wedding for Lyra and your brother at the New World Restaurant.” Raymond’s luck had taken a turn for the worse in recent years. His son had disappeared, his business had failed, and he now survived on a small piece of land he had inherited from Peter In contrast, the Miles family was thriving. The idea of a business proposal from them would surely catch his attention.

Kareen frowned. “But why your uncle?” 1/2 Damien yawned lazily, his gaze scanning her face. “To rekindle his past connection with a former love interest.

Kareen was confused, “Former love interest?” Though she didn’t understand Damien’s plan, she still agreed, “Fine. Deal! You help me with my stepmom, and I’ll arrange their wedding.” 9/0

Marrying the Man in the Dark Chapter 778-Team Up Kareen finished venting her frustrations and returned the two bank cards that Lyra had offered. “No, keep these. I can manage for now. Use that money for your wedding instead. Even if Zac is unconscious, his big day shouldn’t be any less amazing!” Kareen climbed into bed, stubbornly turning her back to Damien and Cherise. “Go away, both of you. I’ve agreed to your plan, so don’t bother me unless it’s urgent.” Lyra stood frozen, clutching the cards in her hand. “But…” “You stay and take care of your comatose fiancé!” Kareen’s voice was cold, yet a hint of warmth peeked through. “Weren’t you the one talking about taking care of him forever? Having second thoughts now? You might as well call off the whole thing.” Lyra remained rooted to the spot, unable to speak.

Cherise sympathetically patted Lyra’s shoulder. “Kareen just means you can stay here and watch over Zac. She won’t kick you out.” Lyra finally snapped out of her daze, ecstatic. “I’m going to his room right now!”/ Without saying goodbye to Cherise or Damien, she rushed out of the room, excitement propelling her towards Zac’s ward.

“Love is foolish,” Kareen muttered from the bed. “My brother is practically unconscious, and she’s still determined to marry him. Talk about hopeless!” Cherise shook her head. “You just don’t understand their love.” Kareen rolled her eyes. “I hope I never will. You’re all a bunch of crazy fools. Leave me out of it!” “A business tycoon interfering in someone else’s life for a woman. A renowned doctor willing to sacrifice his career for a man. And my brother? He’s pushing his sister aside to save a woman with two kids from another guy! And now I have another delusional woman as a sister-in-law.” “I’m done with all your drama and nonsense!” Kareen closed her eyes. “Leave me alone. I need some peace.” Cherise bit her lip, glancing helplessly at Damien.

Damien chuckled. “Very wise words indeed. Speaking of which, you and Gwenn were quite close, weren’t you?” “Yeah,” Kareen mumbled, her lips pursed.

Unfortunately, the recent fallout between Zachary, Cherise, and Gwenn had strained Kareen’s relationship with Gwenn.

“Considering your close friendship,” Damien continued, “you should invite her to your brother’s wedding.” Kareen looked puzzled and asked, “Are you sure? Given the drama between your girlfriend and her, I doubt she’d want to come. Wouldn’t it be awkward?” Damien waved it off. “Nah, just ask her. If she’s not up for it, no big deal.” 1/2 With that, he put his arm around Cherise, and they walked out of the ward together.

Kareen lay in bed, watching their reflection fade on the windowpane. A bitter smile crossed her lips.

Kareen’s resentment towards Cherise had grown deep, as Gwenn had always believed and told Kareen that Damien could have been hers or Kareen’s husband if not for Cherise.

However, her dear brother had willingly chosen to stay with Cherise for the past five years.

Now, witnessing Damien’s tenderness towards Cherise, Karcen couldn’t help but wonder to herself. Is it Cherise’s captivating charm, or is there simply something inherently likable about her?

Marrying The Man In The Dark Chapter 779-Lyra Tries On Wedding Dresses To Kareen’s surprise, she didn’t feel annoyed when she saw Cherise walk in. Unexpectedly, she found herself agreeing with Cherise’s question.

“Hold on,” Cherise exclaimed as they left the hospital and got into the car. “What’s the deal with inviting Uncle Raymond?” Damien offered a warm smile, gently stroking her hair. “As I mentioned before, I’m hoping to reignite an old flame of his.” Cherise furrowed her brow in confusion. “Does he have a connection to someone in the Miles family?” Damien’s smile remained steady. “Exactly. Remember what Mrs. Miles mentioned earlier?” A wave of realization washed over Cherise as she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “You mean… the man who pretended to be your father…?” Damien leaned back, resting his chin on Cherise’s head, his voice low and firm. “Yes, he’s the main suspect. He was always in a hurry; he looked like me and wore the Lenoir family’s exclusive cufflinks. He used my father’s identity to live a luxurious life. He was familiar with my father’s business and its secrets.” “There’s no one else. My father had come to Europe. It wasn’t about causing trouble, but catching Uncle Raymond, who was living the high life here.” Cherise nodded, understanding washing over her. “So, Uncle Raymond is indeed a main suspect.” “That’s why it was crucial for him to attend Zachary’s wedding,” Damien explained, his fingers gently stroking her hair. “Since Nick cut ties with him and left home years ago, he’s become a recluse. He wouldn’t travel to Ziphon unless something significant was at stake.” “But Zachary’s wedding, along with the possibility of a partnership with the Miles family, might be enough to lure him out.” With these words, he handed Cherise a new phone. “Take this.” Cherise frowned, confusion clouding her features as she looked at the device. “Why? My phone works perfectly fine.” What was the reason behind this sudden gift?

“This phone has a special mission. Once Uncle Raymond arrives in Ziphon, you’ll use it to arrange a meeting with Mrs. Miles, pretending to be him. This task won’t be too challenging for a skilled detective like yourself.

“I’m not the right person for this; online scams and con artists are way out of my league. You’d be better off finding someone else,” Cherise said, pushing the phone back towards Damien.

Damien pretended to be concerned. “Do you know anyone who can work their magic on middle-aged women?” Cherise instinctively shook her head, but then a light bulb went off. “Actually, yes, I do!” |||

1/2 She took out her phone. “Syatt is our man!” Damien was momentarily speechless at Cherise’s suggestion. He had explicitly asked for a man with exceptional verbal and charming skills who could manipulate Patricia into revealing crucial information.

And here she was, proposing her suitor, Syatt, for the role! He asked with a hint of amusement in his voice, “Are you suggesting I put your suitor to the test? Aren’t you worried I might get a little jealous?” Cherise blinked innocently, her determination unwavering. “Then let’s be jealous together! Syatt is perfect for the role!” And as it turned out, Cherise’s assessment of Syatt was accurate. This man, well-versed in online romance, had quickly captivated Patricia within three days of texting her on WhatsApp. Syatt’s charm and smooth- talking skills were undoubtedly effective.

Patricia, completely infatuated, even invited Syatt to her “nephew’s” wedding!

Following Damien’s instructions, Syatt gladly accepted the invitation and arranged a secret meeting with Patricia in the backyard of Miles Manor during the wedding reception.

With Patricia out of the way, Cherise focused on helping Lyra prepare for the big day.

Looking back, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had ever been this dedicated even when preparing for her wedding five years ago.

Marrying The Man In The Dark Chapter 780-Is She Trying To Flatter Me?

The bride-to-be, a lively young woman who reminded Cherise of her younger self, was the reason for Cherise’s extra excitement. The wedding was a celebration of her closest friend of five years.

Lyra stood in front of the mirror, twirling nervously, and scrutinizing her strapless wedding gown. “Cherry, do you think this dress shows too much skin? Zac doesn’t like this style. Maybe I should go for something more conservative?” Kareen lounged on the sofa with a bored expression and rolled her eyes. “Why do you always care so much about what Zac thinks? Wear whatever makes you feel confident! He won’t even be able to see it.” Lyra paused, determination shining in her eyes. “Even if he can’t see it, I want to present myself in a way that he would appreciate. That way, he’ll be proud when he wakes up and sees the wedding photos!” Cherise, diligently writing invitations with her elegant script, smiled. “Hmm, then maybe a more modest dress would be better. Zachary does prefer modesty.” Zachary used to be critical whenever she wore something a little too revealing. “Come on, you’re a mother of two now! You should dress more modestly.” Lyra knew Zachary well, perhaps better than his sister, Kareen.

Lyra’s face lit up. “You’re right! I’ll change my outfit!” With a lighthearted laugh, she disappeared into the dressing room.

Kareen rolled her eyes and settled back on the couch, observing Cherise meticulously write the invitations. Her handwriting was as elegant and delicate as she was, every letter perfectly formed.

She disliked people like Cherise, and her handwriting was just another reason.

But Kareen knew better than to say anything. Her handwriting was a disaster, a scrawled mess that looked. like a child had gotten hold of a pen.

She had to admit, while she wasn’t the biggest fan of Cherise’s type, there was something strangely endearing about her.

Just then, a memory flickered in Kareen’s mind. When she struggled with the invitations earlier, Cherise had taken a pen and started writing, offering her help without a word.

“Hey, you,” Kareen began, a touch of awkwardness in her voice. “Are you trying to win me over?” Cherise smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement, leaving Kareen to ponder the unexpected turn in their relationship.

Cherise’s pen hovered above the paper, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Win me over?” she echoed, her voice laced with amusement.

Kareen’s lips tightened into a thin line as she leaned forward, her eyes narrowed in scrutiny. “Don’t play coy with me, Cherise,” she said, her voice low and serious. “If you’re not trying to flatter me, then why on earth are you doing my work? You practically jumped at the opportunity to write those invitations.” ‘Is she trying to flatter me to stay on my good side, knowing I’m Zac’s sister?’ she thought.

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1/2 Cherise met Kareen’s gaze with a calm indifference, as if looking at a child. “Let’s just say I noticed the exorbitant fees of those ghostwriters you were considering. With your current financial situation, every penny saved is a penny earned. You should know you’re not exactly sitting on a mountain of gold these days. Might as well save yourself some money.” Kareen’s mouth opened and closed, searching for a retort. But before she could find her voice, Cherise continued, “Besides, you’ll have enough expenses on your hands with Zac and Lyra to worry about.” Kareen’s face contorted in surprise. She blurted out, “Who said anything about supporting them?” Cherise smiled, her pen never leaving the paper. “You did, just yesterday.” “Speaking of which, I couldn’t help but notice that the guest list is entirely composed of your family and friends, as well as the Miles. What about Lyra’s family?” Lyra emerged from the dressing room as if on cue, her new wedding dress cascading around her like a cloud. She stood hesitantly in the doorway, her eyes downcast. “I… maybe… don’t really have any family or friends anymore.” A flicker of sadness passed through Cherise’s eyes, quickly replaced by a determined glint.

“Who says you don’t have friends?” she said, her voice ringing warmly and kindly. D