Chapter 23: WINGS OF FREEDOM

The sand of time, like golden specks in an hourglass, trickled steadily past. From days to weeks and from weeks to months.

On the eve of their graduation, Emily and Camilla reclined on the cozy couch in Emily's living room, their hearts fluttering with a blend of anticipation and nostalgia.

As they relaxed in the comfortable couch in Emily's living room, the weight of the imminent graduation hung in the air between them like a glittering moonbeam.

"Tomorrow marks the cusp of a new chapter in our lives," Camilla mused wistfully. "The farewell to our beloved college life is nigh."

"Time sure flies by," Emily mused. "It feels like we just walked through those doors for the first time yesterday."

"I'm just very tired, but I think we should take the rest of the day to relax and recharge. We've put a lot of hard work into preparing for tomorrow," Camilla replied.

"Yh, it's already late, its 8pm," Emily said as they both stood up.

With a final hug, Camilla said goodbye and made her way out of Emily house. Then she turned and went to her room.

As Emily laid upon her bed, the soothing warmth of the shower washing over her, her mind drifted back to the events of the previous year.

The memories of the Nicole Novak contest in November came flooding in, as if she was reliving the moment she won. Now, with the contest behind her, Emily had been basking in a new found fame.

Working with the renowned Nicole Novak, Emily had been making a name for herself in the fashion industry, her designs stirring up a storm of admiration and intrigue.

Like s shooting star in the sky, Emily's career had blazed across the fashion world, lighting up the night with her brilliance. From shows to events, from contest to interviews, her name had been on the tip of every tongue, her face in every magazine.

As she laid in the comfort of her bed, memories of the "Unearthly Terror" movie washed over her as she was the assistant make up artist. The months of hard work, the long hours spent perfecting the makery, for the characters were a testament of her dedication and talent, but now the final product was coming together, ready to be unleashed upon the world in December.

Coming to her love life, Robert kept sending her gifts, but she kept rejecting them. Richard was hard to reach, which made Emily sad. She had a hard time dealing with her feelings last year, but she's been getting better. She's trying to be strong and move on.

As Emily closed her eyes, her lips curved into a smile, the warmth of her achievements wrapping her like a cozy blanket. In the calm of her bedroom, she whispered a silent promise to herself.

"I've accomplished so much already, and I'll keep reaching for the stars." With those words, she surrendered to the gentle embrace of sleep.

As dawn broke over the city, Emily woke up with a spring in her step. She showered, and enjoyed the warm water relaxing her, allowing her to shake off any remaining anxieties from the previous day. And then sat down to a hearty breakfast.

Today marked the closing of a chapter, as she bid farewell to her college days.

Once she had eaten, she turned her attention to her appearance, putting on her outfit, styling her hair and applying makeup with meticulous care. With the final touches of her makeup in place, Emily slipped into her heels and sat on the couch to wait for Camilla and Lucy.

As the soft knocking on the door resonated through the air, Emily's face lit up, her heart fluttering with joy. She welcomed her friends Camilla and Lucy, a wave of happiness washing over her as she noticed Lucy's thoughtful presence, even though her own graduation was yet to come.

Glowing with pride, Emily held up the car key, a symbol of her hardwok and determination. "All set and ready to go," she announced, the radiance of her smile shinning like the morning sun.

As the trio exited the doorway and slid into Emily's car, the engine purred to life, propelling them forward. The car glided smoothly into the school grounds, swerving gracefully admist a sea of students. The parking lot beckoned, and the car, with the grace of a ballet dancer, came to a gentle halt.

Eagerly, the three friends alighted, their eager footsteps carrying them towards the grand hall, cause that's where the event will be taking place. Emily's, Camilla's and some other arts department were having their graduation. Emily was set to give a speech on behalf of her department.

At the entrance of the grand hall, they met other graduants and separated, with Emily heading to her department and Camilla to hers. Lucy, as a friend and supporter, navigated her way into the hall.

As the clock struck ten, a hush fell over the bustling hall as the procession of graduating students commenced. Parents, families, well-wishers rose to their feet, as the sea of graduants, adorned in their striking gowns, entered the hall in a measured and dignified manner, forming neat lines that spoke of the order and discipline that defined their academic journey.

After the grand entrance of the graduants, the floor was handed over to distinguished guests who delivered a series of engaging speeches, painting the room with their words of wisdom and inspiration.

As the speeches came to a close, the hall erupted in applause, before transitioning to the award ceremony, where the most exceptional students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional efforts.

As gifts and token of appreciation were bestowed upon these accomplished scholars, a palpable air of joy, pride, and a sense of closure enveloped the hall.

Emily was called upon to present her speech, standing tall with confidence and poise, Emily stepped onto the stage, ready to address the assemble audience. Grazing out at the sea of faces, she began to speak.

"My fellow graduants, esteemed guests, honored faculty, and friends. Today marks the culmination of our academic journey, but it is also the beginning of a new adventure, filled with promise and potential.

We have learned to persevere, to overcome challenges, and to grow, and for that, we are stronger than ever before. As we set forth into the world beyond these halls, let us remember the values that brought us here - the passion for knowledge, the drive for success, and the commitment to better ourselves.

Let us carry these values with us, and let them be our guiding light as we blaze new trails, create new opportunities, and leave our unique mark on the world. For we are not just graduates today, but the pioneers and change makers of tomorrow.

So let us raise our heads high, and march forward with courage and determination. For the future is ours to shape, and the world is waiting for us."

As Emily's words resonated with the audience, a thunderous wave of applause echoed throughout the hall, a testament to her eloquence and inspiring message.

With a gracious smile, Emily stepped down from the stage.

As the event neared its conclusion, other students were given the opportunity to share their own words of wisdom and inspiration.

The Big Wigs Ambassadors, with their insightful addresses, added a sense of grandeur to the event, setting the stage for its impending conclusion.

As the last speech was delivered and the final applause faded, the ceremony came to a close. As the commencement ceremony came to a close, the flurry of flashbulbs and the clicking of cameras marked the beginning of a new chapter - the photo session.

Graduates posed with their lecturers, flaunting their academic achievements and with one another, their friendships captured in digital perpetuity. The high table guests, too, had their moment in the limelight, their accolades displayed through each shared smile.

As the graduates began to mingle, seeking out their families for photos, Emily steeled herself for this bittersweet moment. Despite the lingering resentment in her heart, Emily allowed herself to be pulled into the familiar ritual of posing for photos with her parents.

She didn't want to be the odd one out, to bear the embrassment of being the only one without a parent by her side on this joyous occasion. It was a delicate balancing act, masking her true feelings behind a forced smile, but one that she was willing to perform for the sake of appearances.

After the graduation ceremony, as Emily and some of her coursemate were talking, sharing stories and laugh about their shared experiences, the lights in the hall unexpectedly went out.

A puzzled silence spread over the room, until a crackling voice emanated from a lone record player, playing a conversation. In the darkness, the voices from the lone record player continued,

"Is your financé going to come tomorrow?" Asked a voice and it was Camilla.

"Yes," replied another voice and it was Emily. "The last time he wrote to me, he said he would be coming."

Bewildered and scared, Camilla pulled Emily away from the crowd, her eyes wide with shock. The two huddled together, their faces displaying their shared disbelief at the mysterious recording of their own conversation.

Emily broke the silence her voice quivering slightly. "Camilla, wasn't that our conversation yesterday in class?" She asked.

Camilla nodded, "How did our discussion get recorded?" Camilla asked.

"Someone must have been listening in on us," Emily said, her voice trembling.

"But who could do this?" Camilla continued. "And what could they possibly gain from recording us?"

As Emily's mind raced, searching for answers, she said, "I don't know but I sense trouble."

As Emily and Camilla struggled to process the ominuous recording, a new voice pierced the darkness, drawing their attention to the stage.

The spotlight illuminated Melissa's silhouette, her accusatory words casting a shadow over the room.

"The conversation you heard was Emily's. She claims to be engaged, yet no one has ever seen her fiancé," Melissa continued. "What is the truth, Emily Kevan?" She demanded, as the spotlight shifted to Emily, her face illuminated by a piercing ray of light, the room's collective gaze focused squarely on her.

As Emily struggled to regain her composure, Melissa's words hung heavy in the air, like a noose tightening around her neck.

"Where is your financé?" Melissa demanded, her eyes blazing with accusation. Emily froze, her mind racing for a response as the spotlight bore down on her.