Marrying the Man in the Dark

Emma’s brow furrowed, a subtle indication of her perplexity. “Third year,” she confirmed.

The palpable aura emanating from Cherise unsettled her deeply.

An uneasy tension settled in Emma’s core, manifesting in the nervous nibbling of her lip.

Realization dawned upon her with a jolt.

Though it was evident she held the role of interrogator, why did she find herself unexpectedly assuming the position of being interrogated?

“Oh, third year?” Emma echoed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Cherise’s smile remained intact as she probed, “Since you’ve graced our halls for three years, I presume familiarity with our school motto?”

Emma pressed her lips together, hesitating before reluctantly acquiescing to Cherise’s inquiry. “Our school motto… it’s to absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom.”

Cherise’s smile widened subtly. “You’ve committed it to memory quite admirably. Yet, one must ponder, why do you not abide by it?”

glanced up at Cherise, her confusion evident.

follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these

“But

speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant you

Cherise were enough to send Emma into a

Emma delicately bit her lip and met Cherise’s gaze. “I did mention that I’m a journalism student. I simply require your assistance for a practical interview,” she explained,

her eyes, “Surely,

me–it’s only natural,” she added, her words carefully

maintained her affable smile. “Certainly, if your ambition is to merely

willing to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured, her demeanor

any further inquiries, let’s address them together. I’m prepared to share aspects of my life openly;

a loss for

pressed her lips together, acknowledging the eloquence of Cherise’s response.

probing would inevitably cast her as a reporter intent on prying

testament to her transparency. “As your senior, I’m prepared to share my life openly. Transparency and sincerity

eyes, Emma studied the woman before