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.

sat beside Cherise, silently observing her, his admiration and fondness evident in his gaze.

mentioned visiting was where he sought glimpses

out, she found herself dragged by an enamored teenager

girl completed pouring water and made her way

at him and spoke, “Have you been busy lately? I

and attempted to reply but

an injury a few days ago and has been recuperating. It’s not that he declined to

“You were injured?

words stumbling, “It’s

long as

a candy from her pocket and placed it before Blake, her lips forming a subtle pout. Tve been keeping these for you since you’ve been

noting there were

diligently saving a sweet treat for Blake daily, eagerly anticipating

youthful affection sparked a tinge of jealousy

you… his

the longing for love as exquisite as the moment, the young woman beside her interjected. “He’s

You…