Ella POV:
Graduation day. Who would’ve thought I’d actually make it here without losing my mind—or Jason driving to it? The past few months had been a whirlwind, a mix of challenges, unexpected friendships, and personal growth. If you’d told back when I first arrived on campus that Jason and his crew of loud, obnoxious goofballs would beco the only people I consistently talked to, I’d have laughed in your face. But life is funny that way.
Today felt surreal. I wasn’t just graduating from school; I was closing a Chapter of my life and stepping into sothing entirely new.
Jason had been texting lately, casually (but not-so-subtly) asking to stop by his place. The guy had a way of making his intentions sound innocent, but I wasn’t naive. I already knew what could happen if I went. We both knew.
He’d made it harder to ignore him lately, especially with his injury. If it weren’t for his ssed-up leg, he’d probably be at my door every single day, pestering to hang out or using so ridiculous excuse to see . As much as I hated admitting it, his persistence was... endearing in its own weird way. But I had no intention of getting in deeper with him, not yet.
I’d worked too hard to get to this point. The contract with Black Enterprise was finalized, and I’d insisted on working remotely for now. They weren’t thrilled, but they agreed, respecting my request for privacy. The CEO even ntioned the office they’d set up for at headquarters, but I declined for the ti being. First, I needed to graduate, find a proper place to live, and prepare for what ca next.
I knew revealing my identity to the business world—let alone my father—was inevitable, but I wasn’t ready for that chaos just yet. My dad was a force to be reckoned with. The mont he found out I was involved in the business world much less in partnership with one of his biggest competitors, he’d make it his mission to track down and drag back into his world. That’s why I needed this ti to breathe, to solidify who I was outside of being "Kingsley’s daughter."
As I slipped on my graduation robe, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’d co. From the quiet, hoodie-clad girl who just wanted to get through college unnoticed to soone who’d actually built a foundation for her future.
Jason had been a part of that journey, whether I liked it or not. He’d forced out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected, and for that, I was grudgingly grateful. But feelings? Those were ssy, and I wasn’t ready to deal with that yet.
So, when I saw his na pop up on my phone again—another text, no doubt asking if I’d changed my mind about visiting him—I smiled to myself, shook my head, and slid my phone into my bag.
Today was about , my achievents, and the start of a new Chapter. Jason would have to wait.
And yeah, being the best-performing student, I was selected as the valedictorian. Yep, you heard right—I managed to outscore Jason by three points. Three! Don’t judge , but I was a little giddy about it. Not because I wanted to rub it in his face or anything (okay, maybe a little), but because it felt good to know that all my late nights and sacrifices had paid off.
Today, though, was nerve-wracking for reasons beyond giving a speech. For the first ti, I wouldn’t be wearing my usual hoodie, mask, or anything else to cover up. Today, I’d be revealing myself to the entire campus: the students, staff, and professors. Only Jason and his goofy crew had seen my real face without all the layers of disguise.
I couldn’t help but wonder how people would react. Would those who assud I was hiding because I was hideous feel disappointed? Would the overly curious finally have their questions answered? Whatever it was, they’d see —all of —and there was no turning back now.
I’d kept my nerves in check as I finished getting ready. My hair was sleek and styled, my makeup minimal but elegant, and my graduation robe fit perfectly. This was the polished, confident version of that I wanted people to see. Just as I slipped my shoes on, I heard the unmistakable sound of a car horn blaring outside.
Huh? I hadn’t even called for an Uber yet.
Before I could investigate, my phone buzzed. I didn’t need to check the caller ID to know who it was. Picking up, I was greeted by Jason’s voice, slightly smug and filled with amusent.
"Hey, we thought we’d give you a lift," he said, laughter and the faint voices of Max and Dylan in the background confirming my suspicions. "We’re waiting at the entrance, so hurry up, Miss valedictorian—or we’ll be late."
He hung up before I could even reply. Classic Jason.
Great. The way he said "we" made it obvious Dylan and Max were with him. Jason couldn’t drive yet, not with his still-healing leg—though, in his words, "it’s better now because I can limp." So, instead of hiring a driver, he’d hitched a ride with those two troublemakers and dragged into the chaos. Fantastic.
I sighed, glancing at myself one last ti in the mirror. Well, now that they knew where I lived, they’d probably be showing up unannounced with flimsy excuses about "missing ." Too bad for them I’d be moving out soon, and they’d all be back to square one.
"Alright," I muttered to myself, grabbing my purse and phone. "Purse, check. Phone, check. Confidence...we’ll wing it."
With that, I took a deep breath and headed out the door. It was ti to graduate in style—and maybe survive whatever antics those three had in store for .
And if I knew what was really in store for , I would’ve chosen to stay in bed, cocooned in my blanket, and waited for the day to pass quietly. But no, I had to be stupidly optimistic, thinking I could just give my speech, collect my degree, and gracefully exit this Chapter of my life. I forgot one critical thing: the universe has its own twisted sense of humor, and it never bothers to ask how I feel about its plans.
As I stepped out of my apartnt, I saw Jason’s borrowed ride—a sleek car that definitely didn’t belong to him—parked at the curb. Max was in the driver’s seat, wearing sunglasses that were entirely unnecessary, and Dylan was already leaning out of the window, waving dramatically like he was hailing a cab.
"Ella!" Dylan yelled, grinning ear to ear. "The valedictorian graces us with her presence! Hurry up; we’ve got a graduation to dominate!"
Jason, in the passenger seat, looked back at , his usual smirk softened by sothing more genuine. His crutches were propped awkwardly against the door, and his suit—well, he had tried. I think.
"Don’t let them scare you off," Jason called. "Max has promised not to crash until after the ceremony."
"Gee, how reassuring," I muttered, rolling my eyes as I walked toward the car.
Sliding into the backseat, I barely had ti to settle before Max revved the engine dramatically, earning an annoyed glare from Jason.
"Chill, Max," Jason said, his tone half-serious. "We’re not in Fast & Furious."
"Yet," Max quipped, shooting a wink through the rearview mirror.
The drive to campus was...loud. Max and Dylan took turns blasting music and cracking jokes, while Jason occasionally chid in with sarcastic remarks aid at keeping their antics in check. I stayed mostly quiet, trying to focus on the calm before the storm.
But the calm was short-lived.
The mont we arrived, the chaos hit like a tidal wave. The campus was teeming with students, parents, and faculty, all dressed to the nines and buzzing with excitent. Jason, Max, and Dylan were instantly sward by their friends, and I was left standing awkwardly at the edge of the crowd, clutching my purse like a lifeline.
The universe wasn’t done with yet.
As I made my way to the auditorium, whispers followed like an unshakable shadow.
"Is that...her?"
"No way, that’s Ella?"
"She’s gorgeous! Why was she hiding?"
"Wait, is she really the valedictorian? I thought she was so recluse."
I wanted to evaporate. Every step felt like walking a tightrope under a spotlight.
And then ca the cherry on top.
A reporter, clearly lurking for a story, zeroed in on like a hawk spotting prey. She shoved a microphone in my face, her cara crew hot on her heels.
"Miss Kingsley, how does it feel to graduate as the top student? And is it true that you’re the newest partner at Black Empire?"
My stomach dropped.
What. The. Hell.
Jason, who had been limping toward with Max and Dylan in tow, froze mid-step. His eyes darted between and the reporter, confusion and concern flickering across his face.
The crowd around us quieted, their curiosity intensifying.
"Excuse ," I said, forcing a polite but firm smile. "I think you’ve got the wrong person."
The reporter didn’t budge, her expression sharpening. "We’ve confird your identity, Miss Kingsley. Care to comnt on how you’ve managed to keep such a low profile while achieving so much?"
My hands clenched at my sides, my carefully constructed composure beginning to crack. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not yet.
Jason finally snapped out of his stupor and hobbled forward, placing himself between and the reporter.
"She said she’s not interested," he said firmly, his voice carrying a weight I hadn’t heard before.
Max and Dylan flanked on either side, their casual expressions gone, replaced with sothing far more serious.
The reporter hesitated, then took a reluctant step back. "We’ll be in touch, Miss Kingsley," she said before retreating with her crew.
I exhaled shakily, my pulse racing.
Jason turned to , his brows furrowed in concern. "Ella...what the hell was that about?"
And just like that, the universe had cornered, leaving no choice but to face the very reality I’d been trying so hard to avoid. And nope it wasn’t done with .
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