Marrying the Man in the Dark (Damien and Cherise) novel Chapter 5

Cherise returned to her senses and fumbled for her phone while smiling at Ian. "Ian… are you working here?"

An easy smile adorned the man's attractive face.

He reached out and ruffled her hair. "You're still as clumsy as ever. How old are you now?"

Her eyes were shining. "I'm twenty now."

He glanced away and laughed. "Why are you at the hospital?"

Cherise pointed to the consultation room behind. "My friend is chatting with her cousin."

Ian glanced at the time.

"It's lunch break. Your friend might take some time. Do you want to join me for lunch? My treat."

She pursed her lips and gave it a thought. Knocking on the door, she called out to Lucy.

"I'm going first."

Ian smiled and went ahead. Cherise followed him quietly.

Her crush on Ian started when she was sixteen.

Grandma fainted when she came to visit Cherise at school. Ian rushed over. After giving her emergency treatment, he carried her to the nearest hospital.

The sun's rays were shining brightly that day. While waiting in the corridor, Ian told Cherise he was a medical student. He gave her tips on taking care of her grandmother.

It was the first time she was attracted to a man.

It was also the reason she decided to pursue medicine.

She wanted to attend the same school as Ian and walk the path he had taken.

Yet, she did not have the courage to meet him even after she had realized her dream.

The last time they met was when she was eighteen. He came to encourage her.

Ian led her into a small restaurant.

"What do you want to eat?"

He seemed even more striking with his coat removed. He flipped through the menu. "I remember you like desserts, right?"

"Yup."

It had been too long since they last met. Cherise's throat felt tight as she answered him.

All of a sudden, her phone rang. It was an unknown number.

She apologized and answered the call.

"Where are you?"

The man's voice was familiar. She furrowed her forehead. "And you're?"

"Damien."

"How do you have my number?!"

"Is that surprising?"

His cold voice traveled into her ear. "Come back for lunch with me."

Cherise did not reply.

She peeked at Ian, who was looking closely at the menu. "Can I have a little more time?"

She could not leave when they had just sat down, especially when she had not met him for a long time.

The man was silent for a moment. "Ten minutes."

"Alright."

"Boyfriend?"

Smiling, Ian asked when she ended the call.

"No, not my boyfriend."

She scratched her head sheepishly. "He's my husband."

His smile turned stiff.

A few moments later, he smiled again, but it did not reach his eyes. "You're already married? When was the wedding?"

She hesitated before answering, "Yesterday."

The look in his eyes darkened. He coughed lightly. "I didn't even get you a gift for your wedding. I guess this meal is your gift, then!"

He turned to call a waiter.

"It's alright."

Cherise stopped him. "I'll just finish this drink. My husband asked me to have lunch with him."