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

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

palms grew sweaty.

confidence swelled. “Is something bothering you, Cherise? Afraid to confront those reporters?”

professed transparency and honesty, I’ll offer you an escape route. Why

serene smile to Emma. “Did I imply fear?”

just,” she continued, settling back into her chair and idly playing with her phone, “if you don’t release me, I can’t leave. And

her smugness

Emma retorted, her tone sharp.

about facing those professional journalists downstairs.”

the lone challenger to Cherise’s confidence, Emma found

on, make your way downstairs

think you can intimidate professional journalists like us college students? Think

up her bravado when faced with

wrong, but she’s still putting on a front. Talk about