Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 985 Cherise’s Challenge

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?”

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

Cherise’s smile persisted as she countered, “Then, allow me to pose this question: absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these virtues, does any justify the indulgence in idle gossip about others‘ lives?”

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

the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant

mere few sentences from Cherise were enough to send Emma into a stuttering spiral of uncertainty.

met Cherise’s gaze. “I did mention that I’m a journalism student. I simply require your assistance for a practical interview,” she explained, her tone tinged with a hint

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

Balance: 210 +260

1 Coins

=

1 Pearls

Cherise’s

she added, her words carefully

is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private affairs

to accommodate your request,”

prepared to share aspects of my life openly; transparency and sincerity are paramount,” she offered graciously.

at a

together, acknowledging the eloquence

a reporter intent

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

her eyes, Emma studied the woman before her.

defied the foolish rumors that preceded

intelligent, and composed, she embodied the essence of Mrs. Lenoir.

Emma’s phone, prompting a smile to tug at her lips. “In that case, Cherise,

then by all means,” Cherise responded calmly, though

respite