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?”

evident.

she countered, “Then, allow me to pose this question: absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom.

guard. “But what

relishing in the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does

Cherise were enough to send Emma into a stuttering spiral of uncertainty.

I’m a journalism student. I simply require your assistance for

in her eyes, “Surely, you wouldn’t withhold your cooperation, would

she added,

your ambition is to merely revel

to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured, her demeanor

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

a loss

lips together, acknowledging the eloquence of Cherise’s

intent on prying into private

“As your senior,

eyes, Emma studied the woman before