Chapter 508 A Harmonious Union
Cherise’s eyes welled up slightly as she held Damien’s hand resting on her cheek. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Truth be told, Charisa was none of Damien’s business since it was Cherise’s family affair. But Damien’s willingness to offer support was purely from his love and affection for Cherise. How could she not be grateful or touched by his unwavering support?
This man always considered her in every decision he made.
The traffic light turned green, and the car resumed its journey. Cherise leaned back against the seat and drifted into a deep slumber.
She had a beautiful dream. In the dream, she was a vision of elegance in a pristine white wedding. dress, gracefully walking down the aisle with her father by her side. Her mother sat in the distance, her eyes sparkling with joy as she watched her daughter take her final steps toward a new chapter in her life.
Damien and Cherise joined hands and exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for eternity.
But then, the beautiful dream abruptly turned into a nightmare- Maeve stormed into the wedding scene, a knife glinting in her hand, and plunged it into her already grievously wounded Charisa’s heart.
Blood spilled everywhere, and the dream ended in a crimson sea.
Cherise awoke with a gasp, the horrifying scene still fresh in her mind. She found herself back in the comforting embrace of the Lenoir Manor bedroom.
Damien wrapped his arms around her, his voice laced with concern, “Did you have a bad dream?”
Cherise nodded, her face pale and drawn.
He gently stroked her hair, offering comfort, “Don’t worry, dreams are often the opposite of reality.”
Nestling in Damien’s arms, she found comfort in the rhythm of his heartbeat.
She slowly closed her eyes, a glimmer of hope flickering within her; she noted to herself that dreams, after all, often showed the opposite of what was to come.
Two days later, Cherise and Damien’s grand wedding took place at Adania’s most opulent venue, the New World Restaurant.
Lennon, in honor of their union, had even personally overseen the refurbishment of the New World Restaurant.
On the wedding day, Cherise woke up at the break of dawn.
While the makeup artist was working her magic, Lucy and Mandy engaged in their usual playful banter, teasing each other about their figures and asking for help tightening their bridesmaid dresses.
Cherise, held captive by the makeup artist’s brushstrokes, could only utter a muffled plea, “Hey, you two, can we please tone it down?”
Lucy turned her head to face Cherise with a cheeky grin. “Just this once, Cherise!” she protested.
“It’s your big day, so we’re allowed to let loose a little. When it’s my turn to walk down the aisle, I’ll be the picture of grace and poise,” she winked.
Mandy huffed, a playfully-exasperated expression crossing her face. “Why can’t I be the next one to walk down the aisle?” she protested.
Lucy rolled her eyes teasingly. “Oh, please, Mandy,” she scoffed. “Like anyone would want to marry you!”
Their playful banter filled Cherise’s heart with joy. This was precisely how she’d pictured her wedding day surrounded by the people she loved most, sharing laughter and lighthearted moments.
–
With the makeup artist’s final touches complete, Cherise, assisted by her bridesmaids, eased into the stunning patchwork wedding dress that Damien and Charisa had painstakingly created.
Standing before the mirror, Cherise couldn’t help but be captivated by her reflection. The woman gazing back at her was a picture of elegance and beauty, her face glowing with an infectious happiness.
Charisa stepped into the room, drawn by the girls’ infectious giggles.
Cherise was lost in her world, admiring her reflection in the mirror with a silly grin plastered across her face. Charisa couldn’t help but chuckle at her daughter’s antics. “My silly girl,” she said fondly.
She had to give it to Elvis; he had done an incredible job raising Cherise. Her daughter was as innocent and adorable as Beckham had been, untouched by the world’s harsh realities.
The father and daughter duo shared a similar simplicity, a focus on their passions, never letting. the negativity of others weigh them down. It was a rare quality, becoming increasingly scarce in this cynical world.
A pang of sadness struck Charisa as she thought of Beckham. She turned to Zachary, who understood her unspoken pain. He discreetly slipped two pills from his pocket into her hand.
After swallowing the medication, Charisa felt a sense of calm wash over her.
She approached Cherise, her gaze lingering on her daughter in her wedding gown. A hint of pride flickered in her eyes. “Just as beautiful as I was back then, Charisa whispered.
