Chapter 98 Made it
CHAPTER 98
Made it.
The hall buzzed with excitement as the ceremony officially began, the sound of chatter slowly fading into organized silence as students took their seats. The stage was decorated simply but elegantly with flowers lining the edges, a banner stretched proudly across the top, marking the significance of the day. The different top chefs from different colleges were all invited and all dressed and seated in their respective gowns. Food was lined up at the other section of the party, as a symbol of their culture.
Ruby sat among her peers, her fingers gently intertwined in her lap, her heart still beating a little faster than usual. The weight of the gown on her shoulders felt symbolic,years of effort, growth, pain, and resilience all wrapped into one moment.
Beside her, Jane leaned slightly closer. “Still nervous?” she whispered.
Ruby let out a quiet breath. “A little.”
Jane smirked. “You’ll be fine. Just don’t trip on stage.”
Ruby nudged her lightly. “That’s not helping.”
Jane grinned. “It’s a realistic advice, when we will all give our speech, don't just get diatracted..”
Ruby shook her head, a small laugh escaping despite her nerves.
A few rows behind them, Victor finally slipped into a seat, slightly out of breath, his eyes scanning the crowd quickly until they landed on them. Relief crossed his face. “Made it…” he muttered.
He adjusted his jacket, trying to look composed despite his late entrance. From where he sat, he could see Ruby clearly and for a moment, something unreadable changed across his expression..Then it was gone, be leaned back, folding his arms, his gaze fixed on the stage.
The ceremony began with a formal welcome, followed by a speech from the school head. Words of encouragement, pride, and hope filled the hall, drawing smiles and applause from students and parents alike.
Ruby listened, but only partially. Her thoughts drifted, moments flashed through her mind late nights studying, laughter with friends, struggles she thought she wouldn’t overcome and then
Leo..A soft smile touched her lips.
Jane noticed immediately. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking about him again,” she whispered.
Ruby glanced at her, caught. “…Maybe.”
Jane rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re gone.”
Ruby bit back a laugh. “I’m trying to focus.”
“Try harder,” Jane teased.
The speeches continued, but soon enough, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.
“Now,” the announcer said, his voice echoing through the hall, “we will begin the presentation of certificates.” A ripple of excitement moved through the room.
Students straightened, families leaned forward, phones were raised, this was it. Names began to be called one after another. Each student walked up, received their certificate, posed briefly, and stepped down to applause..
Ruby’s fingers tightened slightly in her lap as the list drew closer to her. Her breathing slowed, her focus sharpened.
Jane reached over, squeezing her hand briefly. “You’re next,” she whispered.
Ruby nodded. Her heart pounded.
“Ruby Anderson.”
The name echoed, for a split second everything went quiet. Then an applause.
Ruby stood, slowly.
Her steps toward the stage felt surreal, like she was walking through a moment she had imagined so many times before.
But now it was real. She climbed the steps, her eyes briefly scanning the crowd and for just a moment she paused at the entrance.
Was that? no she shook the thought away and continued forward.
The certificate was handed to her.
She accepted it with a small smile, her fingers steady despite the emotions building inside her.
“Congratulations,” the instructor said.
“Thank you,” she replied softly.
She turned, facing the audience as the applause grew louder.
And in that moment she allowed herself to feel it.
Back in his seat, Victor watched closely, his expression unreadable once again.
But his gaze didn’t waver.
“Not bad,” he murmured under his breath.
Ruby stepped down from the stage, her breath catching slightly as she returned to her seat.
Jane immediately grabbed her arm.
“We did it!” she whispered excitedly.
Ruby laughed softly, her eyes shining.
“We did.”
Jane pulled her into a quick hug. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you,” Ruby said.
The ceremony continued, but Ruby barely heard anything else. She kept glancing at her certificate, her fingers tracing the edges lightly as if confirming it was real.
Then her phone buzzed. Slowly, she slipped it out, careful not to draw attention.
A message from Leo.
“Look up.”
Her heart skipped. “What?” she whispered under her breath.
Jane leaned over. “What is it?”
Ruby didn’t answer, she turned slowly towards the entrance and this time she didn’t imagine it.
He was there standing at the back of the hall, slightly out of breath, his eyes locked on her.
For a second she couldn’t move or breathe.
Jane followed her gaze, and then. “Oh my God,” she whispered.
Ruby’s lips parted slightly, her eyes widening as a smile slowly, uncontrollably spread across her face.
“He came…” she whispered.
Jane nudged her. “Of course he did.” Jane leaned closer. “You’re not going to survive this day,” she teased softly.
Ruby laughed quietly, her eyes still fixed on Leo. “I already didn’t.”