Marrying the Man in the Dark (Damien and Cherise) Novel
Chapter 1019

Chapter 1019 Meeting lan Otto's smile was reassuring. “lan doesn’t know Mr. Lenoir all that well, and his interest lies solely in Mr. Lenoir’s financial resources. He won't notice the differences in your voices.” His explanation left Cherise momentarily stunned.

They continued walking in silence for a while more before Cherise felt compelled to counter. “The lan I knew was different,” she asserted. He was attentive, compassionate, and acutely aware of her family’s financial struggles, generously offering her his old study materials when she couldn't afford new ones. He even noticed when she wasn't feeling well and expressed genuine concern.

In Cherise’s memory, the lan from the past was a paragon of gentleness and perfection, which attracted others to him. However, the lan that Otto had portrayed seemed like a profit-driven opportunist. This stark contrast troubled her deeply. She couldn't reconcile the lan she remembered with Otto's portrayal. Even after she had heard lan’s voice on the phone, she was still in disbelief. She needed to witness these purported changes in lan firsthand before conceding.

“Change is inevitable, Mrs. Lenoir,” Otto sighed softly, his voice slightly resigned. “But during my interactions with lan over the past few days, I never thought he was an intellectual.” Cherise couldn't help but let out a chuckle at his words. She turned to Otto, her gaze curious. “So, what qualities define a true intellectual?” she inquired.

Otto's steps faltered momentarily before he responded with a smile, “In my opinion, intellectuals should possess traits akin to yours, Mrs. Lenoir-being elegant and approachable.” Cherise was momentarily surprised by his compliment but soon returned the smile. “You're the first to describein that manner,” she remarked. Otto found himself momentarily distracted and captivated by her smile.

As Otto's footsteps stopped, Cherise’s brows wrinkled looking up at him with concern. “Is something wrong? Did I say something peculiar?” she asked, her tone laced with worry.

“No, everything's fine,” Otto replied, clearing his throat lightly. “We've reached our destination.” It was only then that Cherise realized they stood before the door of a room in the hotel. Otto unlocked it and gestured for Cherise to enter. The room was spacious, divided by a large screen. Cherise stood on one side, bathed in the sunlight from behind her, while a man sat in a chair on the other side, eating and listening to music lazily.

Although Cherise couldn't see the man’s expression, his relaxed demeanor made her imagine his unkempt appearance. She found it impossible to reconcile this figure with her memory of lan, even without seeing him.

Ouo motioned for Cherise to settle into a chair, then nonchalantly addressed the individual on the other side of the screen. “Mr.

Lenoir has arrived. If you want anything else, you may let him know.” Without delay, lan set aside the apple he had been eating on the other end, straightening his attire as he asked, “Damien's here?” Cherise’s lips flattened. She reached for the voice changer and answered him. “Yes, I'm here,” she Meeting lan

As expected, lan didn't recognize Damien's voice, as Otto had forewarned. It seemed he hadn't even realized that a woman was on the other side of the screen. Clearing his throat, he proceeded to address Damien. “Damien, let's skip the pleasantries,” lan declared. “You're well aware of the terms I outlined earlier, so I'll be direct.”

He paused momentarily before clearing his throat and delivering the following statement. “You should be aware that Cherise harbored feelings &ein high school,” lan asserted. “I casually offered her study materials I was about to discard, and she was deeply moved, nearly brought to tears.”

“Now, if it's true that she only remembers me,” lan continued, his tone growing more ominous it suggests that I'm of greater importance to her than you. Consider this carefully. By rejecting my demands, you may risk losing Cherise forever.”