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?”

up at Cherise, her confusion evident. “How can you assume

uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these

faltered, caught off guard. “But

in the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does

from Cherise were enough to send Emma into a stuttering spiral of

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 tone

with a subtle glimmer of pride in her eyes, “Surely, you wouldn’t withhold your

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

smile. “Certainly, if your ambition is to merely revel in reporting on

your

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

a loss

together, acknowledging the

as a reporter intent on

to Cherise but a testament to her transparency. “As your senior, I’m prepared to share my life openly. Transparency and sincerity are my guiding principles,” she

studied the woman