Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1201 Heavy Turmoil Within

"Honestly, I came across two unfinished comics a couple of days back and considered completing them, but I ended up forgoing the thought," Colin admitted.noveldrama

"No! You can't do that!" Mandy's voice broke through Colin's self-doubt.

She locked eyes with him earnestly. "You can't forsake your dreams! There are so many people within the corporate world; there wouldn't be any difference even if you gave up your family's business!"

Colin sighed heavily. "The same could be said about the arts. There are numerous artists who create comics; one less won't matter."

"It does matter!" Mandy countered firmly.

Mandy's lips tightened, trying to steady herself. "Colin, have you ever thought that maybe your readership isn't growing because of your pen name choice?"

"You changed your pen name without informing your readers from before," she pointed out. "Your old readers can't find you, not to mention the pen name you have currently is beyond ridiculous, which has led to your works getting a decrease in readership!"

A line formed on Colin's forehead as he mulled in contemplation. "Does it really make that much of a difference?"

"I assure you it does!" Mandy replied passionately.

She bit down on her lower lip, steeling herself. "From today onwards, resume the pen name you once had, CloudySkies!"

"Also, make sure to fire your editor! Replace them with..." She paused, considering carefully. "Replace them with me! I'm willing to be your new editor!"

Colin's reaction was skeptical as he arched an eyebrow at her.

He swiveled his head back and forth. "Don't tease me."

"I'm serious!" Her eyes held his, unwaveringly sincere.

Mandy followed after him, and her determination was evident in her steps. "Colin,

I truly believe you have exceptional talent. Please don't forsake your aspirations this easily!"

Colin stopped in his tracks and turned to meet her gaze.

"A reader once said those exact words to me," he began, his tone tinged with melancholy. "But as time went on, she became disillusioned with me."

Mandy remained silent, absorbing his words.

"She never stopped admiring you! All these while, she has always held you in the highest esteem!" Mandy wanted to shout these words aloud, but she held back.

After all, how could I have found his newer works when he had changed his pen name?

She bit inside her cheeks, almost catching up to his side to reveal the truth-that she was the same reader he spoke of. But Lucy's voice interrupted, calling Colin from a distance, "Just a little more, and we're finished! No need to look so serious!"

Colin turned towards Lucy with a smile. "Do you need any other help from me?"

"I think I'm good," Lucy replied, then furrowed her brow. "Oh, wait! Could you help me set up the camera upstairs? They want to film the whole event."

"Sure thing!" Colin agreed readily.

He swiftly retrieved the camera and made his way up the stairs to assist Lucy.

Mandy stood motionless, watching Colin's smile as he engaged in a conversation

with Lucy, feeling a sharp ache of melancholy pierce through her core.

Many words swirled in her mind, yet none found their way out.

She almost let it slip from her head.

Colin belonged to Lucy.

He was already the man who would be by Lucy's side for the rest of her life.

The same person who, upon hearing about Lucy's newfound cirrhosis,

immediately volunteered to give her his liver.

Lucy was the center of his universe, and he orbited around her.

...and it was completely alright.

The comic artist she had admired since she was a young girl had become the beloved partner of her dear friend, showing a willingness to safeguard her precious friend selflessly.

By all accounts and purposes, she should be happy with the arrangement.

"Is something on your mind?"

Lucy sat down beside Mandy, studying her face closely. "You seemed cheerful just a moment ago."

"Was Colin at it again? Did he tease you too hard this time?" Lucy asked innocently, oblivious to the turmoil in Mandy's heart.

Since her arrival in Yatesville, Colin had taken to teasing Mandy playfully. Especially as of late, with Lucy feeling under the weather and busy attending to work matters, Mandy and Colin had been bantering back and forth daily.

Eventually, Mandy realized, with a startling thought, that she'd gotten used to it. "Nah, I'm good," Mandy replied with a tight-lipped smile, trying to appear cheerful. "Lulu," she added softly.

"Yep?" Lucy raised an eyebrow as she lifted her glass of water, taking a small sip of its contents.

Her liver twinged with pain again, but Lucy fought through the discomfort, determined to hide her distress from Mandy. "What's up?" Lucy asked, concerned.

"I just want to say..." Mandy hesitated, pursing her lips as she searched for the

right words. After a long moment, she finally spoke, "I think Colin is an extraordinary person."

Chapter 1202 Same As You

Lucy's brows knitted together, puzzled by Mandy's unexpected remarks. "And...?"

she prompted, unsure where Mandy was going with this.

"After everything, you're not going to abandon him, are you?" Mandy asked earnestly.

"He obviously has your best interest at heart. He's the kind of man who will treat you well till the end of your days," Mandy continued.