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

allow me to pose this question: absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these virtues, does any justify the indulgence in

faltered, caught off guard. “But what people say online…”

idle chatter, relishing in the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant you a

mere few sentences from Cherise were enough to send Emma into a

I’m a journalism student. I simply require your assistance for a practical interview,” she explained, her tone tinged with a

with a subtle glimmer of pride in her eyes, “Surely, you

only natural,” she added, her words carefully

is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private affairs and

accommodate your request,” Cherise assured, her

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

a loss

lips together, acknowledging the eloquence

would inevitably cast her as a reporter intent on

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

eyes, Emma studied the