Marrying the Man in the Dark

That individual’s resounding voice seized the entire library’s attention, focusing it squarely on Cherise.
The once tranquil library instantly morphed into a bustling marketplace filled with whispers, discreet snickers, and open mockery.
Amidst this cacophony, Cherise heard every word.
She pressed her lips together, her hands clenched tightly by her side.
While she had always maintained the belief that she shouldn’t heed the words of others and knew she shouldn’t allow the
gossipmongers to affect her, the unpleasant voices stirred a deep rage within her.
After all, ignoring such matters entirely was an impossible feat, wasn’t it?
“Let’s go.”
Blake took a decisive step forward without uttering another word, positioning himself protectively in front of Cherise. He then
turned to the girl with twin ponytails and inquired, “Is there a back exit here?”
The girl was taken aback by the unfolding scene before her.
Upon hearing Blake’s query, she snapped back to reality, nodding vigorously. “Yes, yes, there is! I know where it is!”
With that, she instinctively attempted to gather her belongings, hesitating as she clutched her backpack.
Gathering her resolve, she dropped the backpack, hurried over, and took Cherise’s hand, apologizing profusely. “I’m sorry... I’ll
lead you out.”
Through the girl’s eyes, Cherise sensed a profound self–blame.
Perhaps this young lady believed she bore the brunt of responsibility for the current predicament.
Cherise gently squeezed the hand holding hers and offered a reassuring smile. “It’s not your fault.”
“Ms. Shaw.”
As Cherise prepared to depart, another young woman rose, holding her phone aloft, tapping

Charica’c choulder with a smile “I’m Emma Raumolde a student from the journalism frowned at her, already disinclined to
comply,
However, Emma preempted Cherise’s potential refusal with a faint smile, swiftly posing her question. “Ms. Shaw, what do you
think of the rumors circulating about you online?”
“Numerous critics assail you for flouting conventional etiquette and morality, accusing you of mistreating your husband and
employing a hypocritical strategy to subject him to excruciating pain under the guise of acting in his best interest,” Emma
articulated, her tone measured and seemingly impartial, yet subtly laden with disdain for Cherise,
“There are also those who suggest that you are indulging in your promiscuous inclinations while effortlessly resolving the crisis
facing the Lenoir Group, both simultaneously,” she continued, her words probing.
“Which of these perspectives do you find alignment with?”
Emma’s composed demeanor and seemingly impartial words thinly veiled disdain for Cherise.
Blake furrowed his brow. “Are you asking for trouble?”
The girl with twin ponytails, Emma, swiftly intervened, seizing Blake’s arm and shaking her head. “This is Emma... we shouldn’t
antagonize her...”
With that, she promptly pivoted and extended an apology to Cherise. “I’ll guide you out.”
Cherise glanced at the students barricading all exits, a faint smile touching her lips. “No way out.”
All avenues were sealed,
She naturally trusted that Blake possessed the capability to find a solution to guide them out and facilitate their departure.
However, what would be the headlines the next day if she took that course of action?
That she had dispatched someone to employ force and harm these university students?
Until then, rumors would undoubtedly proliferate like wildfire,

With a serene smile, she instructed Emily to console Blake, then turned her attention to the female college student named
Emma. “If memory serves me right, Adania University was also my alma mater.”
Suppressing a small yawn, she located a chair, settled into it, and gazed up at Emma standing nearby, “Are you affiliated with the
journalism department? And what year are you in?”