Chapter 784 Damien’s Secretive Effort
“Why the sudden silence?” Damien held his phone with a knowing smile, watching the children bicker playfully, However, the question was quickly forgotten as a blur of motion dashed toward him.
His teasing was abruptly interrupted by a whirlwind.
Cherise, with her arms outstretched like a joyous bird, crashed into his embrace. He effortlessly caught her, his strong frame easily absorbing her momentum. So, what’s got you buzzing like a hummingbird on sugar water? Something tells me your reunion with Aunt Priscilla went well.”
Cherise nestled in Damien’s arms, finding comfort in his familiar scent. “Mm-hmm,” she confirmed, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
“Happy?” he asked.
“Very,” she mumbled, her arms tightening around his waist. “But how did you manage all this?”
A hint of guilt colored his voice as he confessed, “Because I wanted to give you another wedding. Five years ago, ours turned into a nightmare. I’ve never forgiven myself for that.”
He gently traced her arm with his fingers, sending shivers down her spine. “Seeing you plan Lyra’s wedding with such joy, I realized maybe… maybe we deserved another chance. Not as adversaries, but as husband and wife. A chance to clear my father’s name, to set the record straight about your mother. A chance to finally lay all these troubles to rest.”
“And maybe,” he added with a playful wink, “our two little ones could be the flower bearers.”
He paused, a question lingering in his eyes. “And by the way, I couldn’t help but overhear you asking about Lyra’s family the other day…”
Damien’s voice, filled with amusement, filled the air. So, under the alias of Charisa Neller, I tracked down your mom’s lost relatives. And guess who I stumbled upon? The Quinells – Lyra’s own family, can you believe it?”
He playfully pinched her nose, his eyes twinkling. “No wonder you two hit it off all those years ago. Naive birds of a feather, always charging into things headfirst.
Cherise’s lips curved into a playful pout. “Naive? Me?”
Damien chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. “Mm-hmm, hopelessly so.”
But the teasing banter quickly melted away. “No, you’re the one!” she retorted, burying her face in his chest, her voice muffled with laughter.
“You find a woman who needs your help with everything, drives you crazy with worry, and you just grin and bear it. Tell me, who’s the naive one?”
Despite the playful banter, her heart brimmed with gratitude. Damien had been her constant, her anchor in the storm. Five years ago, he had guided her to her parents; five years later, he had gifted her Aunt Priscilla and cousin Lyra.
Without him, she shuddered to think where she would be-maybe trapped and vulnerable if she had ended up with Isaac.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice raw with emotion, clinging to him tighter.
Damien’s laughter rumbled in his chest. “We’ve settled this, Cherry. Your thanks are unnecessary.”
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she surprised Damien by rising on her toes and peppering his lips with a kiss.
Five years apart, the reunion had been bittersweet, a dance around memories and uncertainties.
But today, surrounded by family and hearing Aunt Priscilla’s endless praise for him, her reservations melted away.
He hadn’t changed. Nothing had. He was still the Damien who offered her a slice of the sky, a sturdy shelter, and a love that promised forever.
The kiss, unexpected but welcome, caught Damien off guard. Then, a smile bloomed across his face. He cupped her head, deepening the kiss, their laughter mingling with the sweet taste of rediscovery.
