Today is the day of my graduation, and I am so happy and excited. I chose a white dress to wear underneath my graduation gown to match Jayden's shirt. Everyone is here to celebrate this milestone with me. Who would've thought that I, Ariana, would pass high school with several A distinctions? I'm excited for the future now—Aurelia University has no choice but to accept me.
While Margaret is dressing me, the makeup artist comes in and starts on my face. I settle for a natural face beat. She pins my curly hair up, leaving two soft side bangs out. My blue eyes glow with the makeup, making me look like the exquisite princess that I am. Zara and I agreed to get ready together at my mansion to make things easier.
Downstairs, servants are running up and down preparing for the big lunch that will be held to honor Princess Ariana for her graduation—an event organized by my mother. She is making sure everything is exactly where it's supposed to be. My mom is a fussy organizer and a perfectionist. Everything must be perfect since John's (her billionaire husband's) colleagues will also be here to see their daughter's coming of age.
While inspecting, she catches a servant misplacing the flower arrangements.
Carol: "No! That is NOT where the flowers are supposed to go!" Snap. "I swear I can't with you people. Can't you just do your job? Urgh, you'll all make me have wrinkles… And where is Ariana? The photographer is already here—she's still not done with her makeup?"
She hurries up the stairs and walks into my room.
Carol: "Margaret, aren't you done with Ariana? She needs to take pictures, and the graduation ceremony is in an hour and thirty minutes—"
Then she sees me.
My curls are pinned beautifully with two side bangs, my makeup enhancing my light blue eyes.
Carol: "Oh my baby… you look gorgeous. I am so proud of you. And Zara—elegant as always."
Margaret: "We're done with her, madam. She can go to the photographer."
I thank my mother, and Zara and I go outside for photos. While posing in the garden, I see a convoy of two cars entering. One of them is a luxury sports car I recognize instantly—Jayden's. My excitement slips out and I can't control myself.
The French photographer keeps saying, "Mademoiselle, pose like zis!" but the moment Jayden walks in with his dimples and golden hair shining in the sun, he switches to taking pictures of us together.
Jayden leans into my ear.
Jayden: "I'm speechless. You look extremely gorgeous."
His breath on my ear sends shivers through my whole body.
Me: "Thank you, baby. I mean… I'm the valedictorian's girlfriend. I have to look the part."
We finish the shoot and drive to the graduation venue in his sports car.
Me: "It feels like it's our wedding day back there. Mom is so dramatic. Even Dad's business associates are coming to my lunch."
Jayden: "Parents always use any opportunity to network. My dad is already talking about introducing me to business associates. I'm like, sir… I'm not even in university yet."
Me: "Parents and their expectations are exhausting. But at least they did one thing right—choosing you as my future husband." I giggle and blush.
Jayden: "As long as I have you by my side, everything will be good. Let's stop this depressing talk."
He turns on the radio to our favorite song, and we sing along while he rests his hand on my thigh.
The school spirit at the venue is off the charts. Everyone is excited.
Principal: "Let's welcome our valedictorian, Jayden Harrington!"
Everyone claps as he walks to the stage.
Jayden: "I'd like to thank our teachers for guiding us all these years, and my classmates—my second family. We've learned how to navigate the real world together. May we all blossom in this new phase of our lives. I wish every one of us success and an abundance of love."
When he says "love," he stares directly into my soul. The crowd cheers.
Zara: "Someone is head over heels for a certain girl." She giggles and looks at me.
Nora: "We'll see how long this naive relationship lasts. College isn't for the faint-hearted. Most high school couples don't make it."
Zara: "Oh shut up. You're jealous no one looks at you the way Jayden looks at Ariana. Bitter much?"
I think: She's just mad Jayden rejected her. Now she's settling for Keenan who's literally playing her. Relax, Nora. If you want to be invited for summer vacation, fix that stinking attitude or I'll make sure your summer is miserable.
The other girls snicker quietly. They all adore me and want the summer invite.
After the ceremony, everyone is taking pictures. Caps are flying in the air. Everything is perfect.
Jayden's friend, Mark, walks over.
Mark: "Bro, your speech was epic! Now all that's left is beer and ladies—oh wait, not you, you're whipped."
Jayden: "Chill. Why would I chase other girls when I already have the one I'm meant to end up with?"
Mark: "Whatever, bro. Summer is going to be lit!"
We drive back to the mansion and see luxury cars everywhere.
Mark: "Why does it look like the president's daughter is getting married?"
Zara: "Shouldn't you be doing stupid boy stuff somewhere? Why are you even here?"
Mark: "You like having me around. We can bond over champagne later."
Zara: "Shut up. Ariana, tell your boyfriend's friend to stop. I don't do little boys."
Me: "Oh my God, you two. This cat and mouse game of yours is not for today."
The garden is decorated with gold accents and pink flowers. Waiters are serving sushi, fish fingers, mussels, champagne, and whiskey shots.
Event Speaker: "The graduate has arrived! Let's welcome Mr. Goldberg to the stage."
Dad walks up.
Mr. Goldberg: "Thank you for celebrating my daughter's achievements with us. Ariana, please come receive your gift."
I walk elegantly to the stage, expecting maybe earrings or a Van Cleef necklace. The box is small.
I open it—and scream.
Car keys.
Everyone gasps.
I run to the hidden parking lot, and there it is—
a pink Audi Q8, my dream car.
Me: "Daddy! How did you know?"
Dad: "Thank Adrian. He's the one who told me this is the car you've been raving about."
Me: "He pays attention? Thank you, big brother."
Adrian: "You're lucky I like you. I could've gotten Dad to buy you a tiny truck."
Everyone laughs as we return to the venue.
Jayden kisses my forehead.
Jayden: "Congratulations, baby."
Zara: "Girl, we have a car now! No more waiting for chauffeurs. This is life!"
Me: "My car matches Jayden's. And yes, we're turning up."
Everyone eats. There are seafood platters, meat platters, and a serve‑yourself section.
Mark sees Zara eating shrimp alone and joins her.
Mark: "So this is where you're hiding, pretty face? Stop playing hard to get."
Zara: giggles "Mark, shut up. Read the room. I don't want you. You stick your thing in every girl."
Mark: "Your loss. Plenty of mature women here."
Across the room, Adrian watches them. His stomach drops. He hates seeing Zara laugh with another guy. He downs a whiskey shot and loosens his tie.
Later, everyone leaves. I walk Jayden to his car.
Me: "Travel safely, baby. Call me when you get home. I love you."
Jayden: "I will. Get inside so I know you're safe."
I walk into the house, blushing because he's still watching me. Even after all these years… he still has that effect on me.
Zara's POV
Adrian and I sneak into the back passage of the house.
Adrian steps close, jaw clenched, face near my neck.
Adrian: "So you're flirting with small boys to make me jealous? I don't like seeing what's mine act like that."
A shiver runs down my body.
Me: "Oh, so you were jealous? Me and Mark? Never. But that's what happens when you refuse to claim your girl in front of people."
Adrian: "Don't piss me off, Zara. You know you're mine. I'm just waiting for the right time."
He places one hand on my neck, the other on my butt, and pulls me in for a hungry, possessive kiss. I moan into his mouth and run my hands down his bare back, lifting his shirt—
Footsteps.
We jump apart instantly. A waiter appears. Adrian grabs the glass of whiskey from him and walks off casually.
I laugh.
Adrian: "Did you see your face?"
Me: "I thought it was your mom! How was I going to explain having sex with you outside her house?"
Adrian: "Go home before things get crazier. I'll get a chauffeur to take you."
He escorts me out, both of us grinning like idiots.