Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1083 Bracing the Storm Contrary to the anticipations of the spectators, Damien rose from his seat and drew Cherise into his arms, bestowing a tender kiss upon her forehead as he whispered softly, "I have my reasons for orchestrating things in this manner." "I assure you, my words will ring true. I will undoubtedly fulfill my pledge to return with you so that you can have fun with the water activities and bask in the beauty of the flowers at a later time, alright?" In an unexpected display, a man typically characterized by his cool and distant demeanor revealed a tender facet of himself in Cherise's presence.

The other women seated around the table, who had eagerly awaited Cherise's potential humiliation, now clenched their teeth in irritation.

<i>What virtuous acts had Cherise performed to warrant such a devoted husband?</i> Despite the almost palpable hostility emanating from the women surrounding her, Cherise displayed no hint of satisfaction. Instead, she arched an eyebrow and cast a skeptical glance at Damien. "What's the meaning of this?" Cherise held a firm belief in her understanding of Damien.

Throughout their ttogether, he had consistently honored every promise made to her.

Thus, his decision to delay their plans and depart indicated that something significant must have arisen, demanding his immediate presence.

"I'll explain everything later," Damien replied, his lips brushing against her forehead once more. "After dinner, alright? Be patient for me, won't you?" Cherise pressed her lips together, opting not to press the matter further in front of the assembled onlookers. With a nonchalant gesture, she directed her attention elsewhere as though everything was well and resumed conversing with Steve and Savannah over their drinks.

A sense of unease gnawed at Cherise's stomach, casting a shadow over her demeanor.

Despite offers of drinks from various sources, she only dared to take small sips. Her thoughts remained preoccupied with Damien's cryptic promise to disclose the truth later. Compounding her unease was her awareness of her own alcohol tolerance, prompting her to feign sipping and discreetly dispose of the liquid whenever the opportunity presented itself.

As the night wore on and the drinks continued to flow, Cherise couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for the palm tree situated behind her. Unbeknownst to anyone else, it had inadvertently becthe dumpster for all the alcohol she had discreetly spit out throughout the evening.

The clock had struck ten in the evening.

Cherise feigned intoxication, reclining motionless upon the table.

By this hour, the majority of the table's occupants had departed, leaving Steve to support the intoxicated Savannah while casting a glance toward Damien, who remained seated in his chair. "What tare you departing tomorrow? I'll see you off." "No, there's no need," Damien replied simply.

Damien cast a reluctant glance at the still figure of Cherise sprawled upon the table. "Helpwith something," he began. "When the day breaks, escort her to Elvis's residence located in the Shaw's village." Apprehension seized Steve, a furrow forming on his brow. "The villagez where the Shaws reside in... Elvis' residence... Are you suggesting returning her to her foster father's home?" "You're not bringing her along with you?" Steve inquired, his eyes widening with concern.

Cherise's body sprawled on the table, her heart hammering against her chest.

Though she gritted her teeth, refusing to emit even a whimper, her mind churned with tumultuous thoughts.

Ssignificant event must have transpired unbeknownst to her, she surmised, for Damien to make such a decisive decision without her involvement.

"No, I won't be taking her," Damien stated firmly.

Shutting his eyelids close, he retrieved the glass from the table and drained its contents in a single gulp. "I must embark on a hazardous trip..." He cast a tender glance at Cherise, still prone on the table. His hands gracefully moved over to caress her hair gently. "I cannot bear the thought of her accompanyingon this treacherous undertaking.

Steve bit down his lips in contemplation. "And what should I say to her when she awakens?" "Simply inform her that I had to attend to surgent business matters," Damien replied calmly. "Let her know that she'll have to await my return in Shaw village." "When I return," he continued, determination coloring his tone, "I will honor all my commitments to her... We will embark on adventures in the mountains and waters as promised." Steve hesitated for a prolonged moment before exhaling heavily. "I'll do the best I can." "I may not be as astute as Cherise; she's far cleverer than I am. If our secret is exposed, don't holdaccountable." Damien acknowledged Steve's concerns with a solemn nod, then retrieved his phone to issue a directive. "Otto," he said with a deep voice.

"Have the car ready."After concluding his call, Damien rose from his seat and tenderly lifted Cherise from the table. "I'll escort her to the car first. You can begin your journey once you've properly settled in with Savannah. My private jet has already been prepared and is waiting to take off. Thanks for everything."