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?”

Emma glanced up at Cherise, her confusion evident. “How can you assume I haven’t adhered to

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

guard. “But what

musings online are but idle chatter, relishing in the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant

to

delicately bit her lip and met Cherise’s gaze. “I did mention that I’m a journalism student. I simply require

continued with a subtle glimmer of pride in her eyes,

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

affable smile. “Certainly, if your ambition is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private affairs and stirring online controversy.”

more than willing to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured,

share aspects of my life openly; transparency

found herself at a loss for

acknowledging the eloquence of Cherise’s response.

would inevitably cast her as a reporter intent on prying into private matters

“As your

studied the woman before her.