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?”

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

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

guard. “But what people

speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant

enough to send Emma into a stuttering spiral of uncertainty.

did mention that I’m a journalism student. I

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

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

ambition is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private

to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured, her demeanor composed.

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

a loss for

together, acknowledging the eloquence of

cast her as a reporter intent on prying into private matters and igniting online debates.

wasn’t a concession to Cherise but a testament to her transparency. “As your senior, I’m prepared to share my life openly. Transparency

her eyes, Emma studied the