Chapter 52: Chapter 52
Celeste stood in front of the mirror, fitted into a sleek ivory jumpsuit with a tailored waist and a soft off-shoulder neckline that gave it elegance without effort. The fabric hugged her form without clinging, flowing with understated grace.
Amara was bent over the dresser, fumbling with an open case of lip glosses. Her own outfit was a radiant sapphire-blue mini dress that caught the light as she moved, with her long braids pinned up in a crown-like twist. Her makeup was done in soft pastels with a hint of shimmer.
"I can’t believe it’s today," Celeste muttered, dabbing concealer under her eyes.
Amara grinned without turning. "Believe it. We made it, babe. This is our moment."
Celeste’s eyes glowed with both anxiety and anticipation. Today wasn’t just graduation. It was the end of one world, and the beginning of another.
She felt a bit alone, having no living biological family to share it with.
"Are you alright?" Amara asked, handing her a lipstick. "You should be extremely happy today. You can always have my family, you know that, right?"
She could sense what 2as going through Celeste’s mind, just looking at her.
Celeste rolled her eyes. "I know that. Also, I wasn’t thinking about anything. I’m just proud everything worked out. Especially with Dominic at the moment."
Amara’s brows arched knowingly. "Of course. That wealthy, obsessive man who hates me," she scoffed, half joking.
She still hates how he speaks to her like she was a bug. Man only had eyes for Celeste. She knows that, and she wasn’t trying to do anything but sometimes, a conversation without one word replies would be nice.
Celeste laughed, then sighed. "He kissed me awake like I was Cinderella, kept whispering ’Happy Graduation’ in my ear like it was Christmas. He even had three different outfits laid out. Dior, Givenchy, Chanel."
Amara dropped her lip gloss. "Girl, Chanel?! What kind of romantic sponsor is this man?"
Celeste shrugged, trying not to smile too much. "I chose the simplest one." She blushed. "Also, I have some outfits to give to you after the ceremony. He bought some I felt you’d like. I didn’t bring them now cause I didn’t want to change your mind on the outfit you’ve been looking forward to,"
Amara narrowed her eyes playfully. "Remind me to marry rich."
The two girls burst into laughter, the kind that crackled with memories and years of friendship. There was something deeply grounding about preparing with Amara. She had been by Celeste’s side through every up and down—the heartbreaks, the late-night studying, the secrets, and the dreams. And today, they would cross the stage together.
A knock came at the door. "Girls, the shuttle is ready!" Amara’s mom called from the hallway.
"Coming!" they chorused.
Celeste took one last glance at herself, then turned to Amara. "Let’s go become legends."
....
The grand hall of the University had been transformed. Gone were the quiet lecture rows and dusty wood floors. Instead, white banners with gold lettering hung from the ceiling, each bearing the year: Class of 2025. Soft music played through the speakers. The wide room was filled with rows of student seats in neatly arranged sections. Each graduate wore their robes over their chosen outfits.
There were no families here. The university had made a rare decision this year. Due to spacing and internal policy changes, the graduation ceremony was to be attended by only students and the board of directors.
Celeste sat beside Amara in the fourth row, her fingers clutching the edge of her program.
"This feels surreal," she whispered.
Amara smiled. "It’s just a ceremony. The real thrill is after this. Wait till you taste my mom’s peppered goat."
Celeste giggled softly, her nerves were momentarily forgotten.
At the front stage, the university board members were seated at a long table draped in navy blue, each person with a thick folder and a bottle of water. But standing to the far right of the stage, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, was Dominic.
Celeste’s breath caught.
He looked impossibly composed, his hair was neatly brushed back, with his stance firm. His expression was unreadable as he watched the dean approach the microphone.
"Graduating class of 2025," the dean began, voice strong but warm. "Today marks not just the completion of your academic journey but the beginning of everything that lies ahead."
There were a few polite claps. Celeste couldn’t take her eyes off Dominic. She hadn’t known he’d be on stage. He was on the board, yes, but he rarely appeared at student functions.
The roll call began.
One by one, students were called up. Each stood, approached the stage, accepted their folder, and shook hands with the board members, and finally, with Dominic.
A few blushed a little too much after shaking him. Claps always follow when a student returns to their seats.
"Celeste Monroe."
Her name rang through the speakers.
Celeste stood. Her feet were sure, but her heart thumped like a drum. She walked down the aisle, and every step toward the stage felt heavier than the last. The light above made her skin glow.
She reached the stage, shook hands with two board members, accepted her folder, and then she shook the rest until it got to Dominic.
He extended his hand.
Her palm slid into his, warm and familiar.
But instead of letting go after a shake, he held on.
Leaning in, he said under his breath, "I have something for you the moment we leave here."
Celeste’s lips twitched.
She leaned slightly closer and murmured, "Sorry. I have a party to attend with Amara and some friends. At her house. Her parents are expecting me."
He didn’t let go just yet. "Nana also wanted to see you."
Celeste smiled. "I already talked to Nana. She’s fine if I spend tomorrow with her for my graduation."
Dominic opened his mouth again, but she gently cut him off. "We’re creating a line."
Her voice held a playful edge.
Dominic chuckled under his breath, the side of his lips lifting into a grin. With one last squeeze, he let her hand go.
Celeste giggled as she turned and walked down the other side of the stage, her diploma pressed to her chest.
.....
By the time the ceremony ended, the students were abuzz with chatter and laughter. Friends embraced, and some cried. Some raced for group pictures. Caps flew into the air.
Celeste stood near the back of the hall, waiting for Amara who was still saying goodbye to a professor.
She had already taken every picture she could take for now. Also, Amara’s parents would request to take more.
Dominic found her again. His expression was unreadable but softer as he walked towards her.
"You really made me wait," he said as he approached.
Celeste crossed her arms. "I warned you."
He looked down at her, a small smirk forming. "I suppose I’ll survive. But I meant what I said earlier. I have something for you."
Celeste tilted her head. "Can it wait till tomorrow?"
Dominic gave a slow nod. "Only because you asked."
Just then, Amara appeared beside her, tugging her hand. "Time to bounce away. Party calls. And I’m starving."
Celeste shot Dominic one last look. "Tomorrow. With Nana."
He raised an eyebrow. "I’ll be waiting."