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

uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these virtues, does any justify the

off guard. “But what

of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant you a license

mere few sentences from Cherise were enough to

I simply require your assistance for a practical interview,” she explained, her

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

intrigues me–it’s only natural,” she

to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private

willing to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured,

I’m prepared to share aspects of my life openly; transparency and sincerity

a

acknowledging the eloquence of Cherise’s response.

cast her as a reporter intent on prying into private matters

refraining from further interrogation wasn’t a concession to Cherise but a testament to her transparency. “As your senior, I’m prepared

eyes, Emma studied the woman