Chapter 97 Graduation
CHAPTER 97
Graduation
Positioning himself between her thighs, he rubbed the head of his cock along her folds, coating himself in her arousal. Then, with one smooth thrust, he buried himself deep inside her. Clara cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders as he filled her completely.
Trent began to move—slow at first, savoring the tight heat enveloping him, then faster, each stroke deeper and more urgent. The bed creaked beneath them. Clara’s legs wrapped around his waist again, pulling him in harder. Their bodies moved in perfect sync, skin slapping against skin, breaths mingling in heated gasps.
He reached between them to rub her clit, matching the pace of his thrusts. Clara’s moans grew louder, her inner muscles clenching around him as she neared the edge.
“Come for me, baby,” Trent whispered, his voice strained.
The command sent her spiraling. Clara shattered around him, her orgasm crashing through her in powerful waves. Trent followed seconds later, groaning her name as he spilled deep inside her, his hips stuttering with the force of his release.
They collapsed together, tangled in sheets and each other, hearts pounding, bodies still trembling with aftershocks.
Morning came softly, sunlight slipping through the curtains as if it carried something new with it something hopeful, something long-awaited.
Ruby stood in front of the mirror in her room, her fingers gently smoothing the fabric of her outfit for what felt like the tenth time.
Her graduation gown hung neatly and nearby, ready to be worn, but she hadn’t put it on yet.
She just stood there, looking at herself and taking it all in.
“Today…” she whispered under her breath.
It didn’t feel real, after everything the chaos, the loss, the healing, the love and she had made it here. A small smile slowly formed on her lips then a soft knock came from the door.
“Come in,” she said.
The door opened, and Nora stepped in, her eyes immediately lightened up when she saw Ruby.
“Oh my…” Nora breathed, placing her hand gently over her chest. “Look at you.”
Ruby turned slightly, smiling shyly. “Is it okay?”
“Okay?” Nora walked closer, her smile warm and proud. “You look beautiful.”
Ruby’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you.”
Nora reached out, adjusting a small detail on her sleeve. “Today is a big day,” she said softly. “You should be proud of yourself.”
Ruby nodded. “I am… I just wish—” she paused briefly.
Nora’s expression softened. “I know,” she said gently.
Ruby didn’t need to finish the sentence. Her dad. For a brief moment, the joy in her eyes dimmed but only slightly, because she had come far and she knew even if they weren't in right place he would have been proud.
Nora placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “He’s watching,” she said quietly.
Ruby gave a small nod, holding onto that thought. “Thank you, Nora.”
A few minutes later, Ruby stepped out of her room, now fully dressed, her graduation gown flowing neatly around her. Her hair was styled simply but beautifully, her expression calm, yet glowing with quiet excitement. As she walked down the stairs, she spotted Carl standing near the entrance, already dressed sharply, his usual serious demeanor in place. But the moment he saw her even he softened slightly.
“You look… different,” he said.
Ruby raised an eyebrow. “That’s your way of saying I look nice?”
Carl cleared his throat. “You look good,” he corrected.
Ruby laughed softly. “I’ll take that.”
Ben (another driver) appeared shortly after, adjusting his watch as he walked into the hallway.
“Everything ready?” he asked.
Carl nodded.
“Car’s outside.”
Ben’s eyes landed on Ruby, and for a brief second, he paused.
“Congratulations madam,” he said simply.
Ruby smiled. “Thank you.”
They moved toward the door together, the morning air greeted them as they stepped outside. The car was already waiting, polished and ready, just like everything else in Leo’s world. But today it wasn’t just about him, it was about her.
As Ruby got into the car, she glanced at her phone briefly. No new messages. Her fingers hovered over the screen for a second. Then she locked it.
“He’s probably busy,” she murmured softly.
Carl, who sat at the front seat, heard her.
“He said he would come if he could,” he said.
Ruby nodded. “I know,” and she believed it, still
a small part of her still kept that thought he won't make it.
The drive to the school was smooth, the roads already buzzing with students and families heading in the same direction. Cars lined up near the entrance, laughter and excitement filling the air even before they arrived.
As the car pulled up, Ruby’s eyes widened slightly. “It’s really happening,” she whispered.
Ben stepped out first, opening the door for her.
“After you.”
Ruby took a deep breath before stepping out.
The atmosphere hit her instantly, students in gowns parents taking pictures, friends hugging, laughing, celebrating. It was everything she had imagined and more.
Jane spotted her first. “RUBY!” she shouted, waving excitedly as she rushed over.
Ruby’s face lit up immediately. “Jane!”
They hugged tightly, both laughing.
“You made it!” Jane said, pulling back to look at her.
“Of course I did,” Ruby replied.
Jane stepped back slightly, eyeing her from head to toe. “Okay… you look amazing.”
Ruby laughed. “You said that yesterday.”
“And I’ll say it again today,” Jane replied. “Because it’s true.”
Ruby smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
Jane glanced behind her briefly. “Where’s your man?” she asked teasingly.
Ruby rolled her eyes. “Jane…”
“I’m just asking!”
Ruby shook her head, though a small smile remained. “He’s at a conference.”
Jane’s expression shifted slightly. “Oh.”
“But he said he’d try,” Ruby added quickly.
Jane studied her for a moment before nodding.
“Well, if he doesn’t show up, I’ll fight him.”
Ruby laughed. “I’d like to see that.”
As they walked toward the main hall together, Ruby’s heart beat a little faster with every step.
This was it the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Students began lining up, names being called, the ceremony starting to take shape. Ruby adjusted her gown slightly, her fingers brushing against the fabric nervously.
Jane nudged her lightly. “You’re going to be fine.”
“I know,” Ruby said. “I’m just… feeling everything at once.”
Jane smiled. “That’s normal.”
As Ruby took her place among the others, she glanced around briefly, familiar and unfamiliar faces the smiles and pride.