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?”

her confusion evident. “How can

question: absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these virtues, does any justify the indulgence in idle gossip about

off guard. “But

Does that grant you a license to do the same?”

mere few sentences from Cherise were enough to send Emma

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,

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

natural,” she

maintained her affable smile. “Certainly, if your ambition is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private affairs

your request,”

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

found herself at a

pressed her lips together, acknowledging the

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

your senior, I’m prepared to share my life openly. Transparency and sincerity are my guiding principles,” she reiterated.

studied the woman before