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.

her, his admiration and

locale he often mentioned visiting was where he sought glimpses

found herself dragged by an enamored teenager to see the object of his affection.

completed pouring water and made her way over,

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

to reply but his nomies hetraved

swiftly interjected, “He sustained an injury a few days ago and has been recuperating. It’s

girl regarded Blake with surprise, concern knitting her brows. “You were injured? Are

blush deepened, his words

as you’re okay…

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

noting there were

sweet treat

of youthful affection sparked a tinge of

you… his

the young woman beside her interjected. “He’s never brought you here before, so I

You…