Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1195 The Bitter Smile

"It would be ideal if she could move on from Lennon like this," Cherise muttered, her voice edging with frustration.

Pushing Damien away, she stared at him incredulously. "Are you even a friend to Lennon? You stood by and watched as he marched towards his demise without doing anything!?"

Damien chuckled softly, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "During the years without you, life felt empty to me too."

Cherise remained silent, her thoughts tumultuous as she grappled with Damien's words.

"Both you and I can find peace, so why can't they?" Damien asked, his gaze intense.

Cherise bit her lip, speechless by his question, as emotions welled inside her.

The wounds and pain inflicted by Lennon lingered, untouched by time's passage. The scars on her body, unhealed and the inability to conceive these burdens weighed heavily on her.

She often pondered whether Lucy's future would be brighter without Lennon. Yet, upon learning of Lennon's intention to meet his end alongside the Belcourt family, a new wave of anguish washed over her. Was their situation truly beyond repair? "After Lennon and Violet announce their engagement, they'll head back to the Belcourt family," Damien stated, his voice tinged with quiet resolve.

"Mr. Aaron will gather all the Belcourts for the wedding," he continued, his words hanging in the air.

Cherise could read the unspoken implications.

"An eye for an eye... isn't the solution."

She nestled into Damien's embrace, her voice filled with hope. "I pray Lucy finds happiness, and I hope Lennon finds a way to endure."

"I'm doing my best, too," Damien whispered, closing his eyes.

Blake and Mr. Hampson had already begun their search for clues in the countryside.

As they scoured the landscape, a glimmer of hope flickered in their minds. If they could uncover enough evidence to hold the Belcourt family accountable legally, perhaps redemption was still within reach.

Lucy spent three days in the hospital.

On the third day, the director of the event company called, "Lucy, Ms. Belcourt's birthday is in three days. You should start preparing."

"Ms. Belcourt mentioned she's coming to the company this afternoon to meet with you. Are you ready?" the assistant asked.

Tinged with pain, Lucy replied, "There's nothing to prepare. It's just a meeting with Violet."

Five years ago, they met daily-Violet, the tormentor; she, the victim.

Now, roles reversed; Violet was the employer, and she was the employee.

She smiled bitterly, constantly aware of the class divide between her and Violet, whether it had existed five years ago or in the present moment.

Lucy decided to deal with the situation directly. She spent her afternoon carefully applying heavy makeup and choosing the right clothes, making sure every detail was perfect before heading out to meet Violet.

Violet and Lucy had arranged to meet at Kew Gardens, an oasis of serenity and beauty.

Seated in the aromatic tea shop, Lucy savored her tea with a hint of amusement curling her lips.

It struck her as both ironic and typical that Violet, known for her calculated demeanor, would choose such a refined setting to meet.

Before long, the door of Kew Gardens swung open dramatically, and Violet, dressed in a striking red coat, entered confidently. She settled into the seat across from Lucy.noveldrama

"Long time no see," Violet quipped, her voice laced with thinly veiled sarcasm. Lucy's smile was tight, her gaze steady as she replied, "It hasn't been that long."

"I recall seeing Ms. Belcourt not too long ago," Violet pressed, her tone challenging.

"Is that so?" Lucy retorted coolly, her words carrying an undercurrent of tension.

Violet raised an eyebrow as she took a seat across from Lucy. "I don't remember seeing you."

Lucy remained composed. "Ms. Belcourt, your memory seems a bit selective." "Perhaps," Violet retorted, rubbing her forehead. "Maybe you're just too ordinary to leave a lasting impression." Her tone carried a sharp edge of sarcasm. With a smile that hinted at underlying amusement, she glanced at Lucy. "I'm known for being straightforward, so don't take offense."

"Nevertheless, Ms. Staber, despite your unremarkable appearance, you have your strengths. I must say, I did appreciate the birthday plan you assisted me with." Her words carried a subtle edge, hinting at a mix of condescension and begrudging acknowledgment.