Marrying the Man in the Dark

So… Such was the perception others held of her–flirtatious, seductive, feigning innocence, and repulsive.

Confronted with these unfounded allegations, Cherise harbored no anger, merely finding them absurd.

The time for wrath had passed when she had already elucidated the situation with Sebastian to Damien.

Now, confronted with these accusations, she couldn’t help but find them bemusing.

There were too many who blindly trailed the crowd, too many who propagated rumors.

What mattered to these individuals, who had never even crossed paths with her, about her relationship with Damien, lifestyle, or character?

With a deep breath, she cast the magazine aside and turned her gaze, only to find Blake fixedly staring in a particular direction.

She furrowed her brow, trailing his gaze–towards a young female student.

Innocent and charming, adorned with large glasses and double ponytails, she emitted a cute and pure aura.

With brisk steps, she approached the desk diagonally across from them, deftly retrieving a thermos from her backpack and rising to pour water.

From Cherise and Blake’s vantage point, they could admire her lovely profile.

silently observing her, his admiration

mentioned visiting was where he sought glimpses

venturing out, she found herself dragged by an enamored teenager to see the object of

completed pouring water and made her way

glanced at him and spoke, “Have you been busy lately? I haven’t seen you in

attempted to reply but

injury a few days ago and

girl regarded Blake with surprise, concern knitting her brows. “You

deepened, his words

as long as you’re

from her pocket and placed it before Blake, her lips forming a subtle pout. Tve been

candies, noting there were seven or eight.

this girl had been diligently saving a sweet

tender display of youthful affection sparked

his

longing for love as exquisite as the moment, the young woman beside her

You…