Marrying the Man in the Dark

“Mom!”

The moment the servant who went to pick up the children opened the door, Serafina darted in. Following behind her was a composed Alexis, and Soren, who was bringing up the rear, carried both his and his sister’s backpacks.

“Lucy’s here too!” Serafina dashed straight into Lucy’s arms. “Lucy, I missed you so much!”

“You say that every time, kiddo.” Lucy chuckled helplessly, retrieving three exquisitely wrapped chocolates from her bag. “I came in a rush this time and didn’t bring any gifts. But here are the chocolates I received at the last academic conference. You can have them.”

“Thank you, Lucy!” Serafina kissed Lucy’s cheek before running upstairs with chocolates in hand.

Soren smiled wryly as he watched his sister run away. Then, he approached Lucy and took his share of the chocolate. “Lucy, you seem preoccupied.”

Lucy instinctively touched her face. “Is it that obvious?”

“No.” Soren shook his head, grinning. “But I can read between the lines, and I can tell you’re troubled. And can’t think straight!”

“You’re too perceptive for your own good.”

son. “That’s enough. Go upstairs and keep your sister company. Lucy

his lips and glanced at Alexis before heading upstairs with the chocolate and backpack

hear Soren closing the door upstairs before smiling and waving over. “Come here.”

she offered. “Miss,

now on, call me Mom. Come on an adventure with me, and I’ll show you the wonders of the world outside.

lit up immediately. “Really?”

at Cherise gratefully. “You

chuckled awkwardly. “Well, you see… I keep

at her.

you. So, I promised him that the next time I saw you,