Marrying the Man in the Dark

Emma chuckled softly.

“You’re quite clever, Cherise.

With a graceful stride, Emma approached the window, peering at the swarm of reporters gathered outside the library. “While I may lack the finesse of a professional journalist, feel free to decline my inquiries, challenge me, or even put me on the spot.

“But,” she paused, turning back to face Cherise with a playful smile, “what about those reporters out there? How do you plan to handle them, Cherise?”

Cherise furrowed her brow, rising slowly to join Emma at the window, her heart fluttering with a hint of panic.

Oh dear.

Were all those reporters gathered for her?

Inwardly. Cherise grappled with a sense of unease.

She had glimpsed the motto of Adania University when she and Blake entered through the school gates.

picked up the notion of challenging Emma.

Emma was one thing, but facing hundreds or even thousands of reporters outside

palms grew

Cherise’s discomfort, Emma’s confidence swelled. “Is something bothering

honesty, I’ll offer you an escape route. Why not just leave?” Emma’s smirk was

a serene smile to Emma. “Did

don’t release me, I can’t leave. And if you do, then I should? Wouldn’t that be rather embarrassing for me?”

momentarily speechless, her smugness tempered by Cherise’s calm

Emma retorted, her tone sharp.

Cherise. You’re apprehensive about facing those

Cherise’s confidence, Emma found herself supported by

on, make your

professional journalists like us college students?

up her bravado when faced with real reporters.”

fascinating. She’s clearly in the wrong, but she’s still putting on a front. Talk about audacity.”