CHAPTER NINETY FOUR – GRADUATION DAY

But it was Florian's reaction that made Cassie's heart skip a beat. His eyes shone with pride and something deeper as he took in her appearance. "You look beautiful, Cassie," he said softly. "Congratulations." From the corner of her eye, Cassie saw Vivian's face darken with barely concealed fury. But before she could dwell on it, Frida was ushering them all out to the waiting limousines. The drive to the university was a blur of nervous excitement. Jenna chattered away, filling the silence with stories from Cheesy Fingers and plans for a post-graduation celebration. Cassie was grateful for her friend's presence, a reminder of where she'd come from and how far she'd traveled. As they approached the campus, Cassie's stomach fluttered with butterflies. The grounds were a sea of black caps and gowns, proud families milling about with cameras and bouquets. For a moment, Cassie felt a pang of loneliness, wishing her parents could be there to see this moment. But then Jenna squeezed her h