Chapter 6: The Graduation Party

The day I returned home happened to be the night of Ethan's graduation party.

His father, Mr. Luciano, was the current Don of the Luciano family, and with Ethan heading off to college, he was expected to gradually take over part of the family's business. Although the event was officially a graduation celebration, everyone knew it was really a chance for the Luciano family to introduce Ethan to influential figures.

Since my family's company still worked closely with the Lucianos, I couldn't simply avoid the banquet.

My parents accompanied me to the hotel.

The moment I stepped into the ballroom, countless familiar faces turned toward me.

"Cynthia? You're finally back!"

"We thought you went abroad with Ethan. Where have you been all summer?"

I smiled politely. "I traveled with Ava for a while."

Before anyone could ask another question, a burst of applause echoed through the hall.

Ethan entered with Sylvia on his arm.

She wore a custom-made silver evening gown while Ethan stood beside her in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. Together, they looked every bit like the golden couple everyone admired.

The guests immediately surrounded them with endless compliments.

"Young Boss Ethan and Miss Dawson really are a perfect match."

"They'll definitely become the most influential young couple in the city."

Ethan accepted every compliment with a faint smile until his eyes landed on me.

His smile froze.

For a split second, surprise flashed across his face before it was replaced with confidence.

He excused himself from the crowd and walked directly toward me.

"So you finally came back," he said calmly. "I knew you'd cool off eventually."

I looked at him without any emotion.

"Congratulations on graduating."

My distant tone made him frown.

"You're still angry? Cynthia, don't be childish. I already told you Sylvia and I are just trying things out. You know you're different from everyone else."

I almost laughed.

"Different?"

"Of course." Ethan lowered his voice. "You've known me for ten years. Nobody understands me like you do. Once college starts, you'll naturally come back to my side."

I quietly shook my head.

"You're mistaken."

"What do you mean?"

"I won't be going to Caltech."

His confident expression immediately stiffened.

"What?"

"I withdrew my application months ago."

For the first time since we'd met, genuine panic flickered across Ethan's face.

"Stop joking."

"I'm not joking."

"Then... where are you going?"

Before I could answer, Sylvia walked over and naturally wrapped her arm around Ethan's.

"Ethan, everyone is waiting for you on stage," she said sweetly before glancing at me. "Cynthia, thanks for coming. I hope you're finally over your little crush."

I ignored her completely.

Looking straight into Ethan's eyes, I answered quietly.

"MIT."

The single word drained every bit of color from Ethan's face.

He stared at me in disbelief.

"You... changed your college?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it stopped being your business a long time ago."

Without waiting for his response, I picked up a glass of juice from a passing waiter and walked toward my parents.

Behind me, Ethan remained frozen in place while Sylvia repeatedly called his name, but he didn't seem to hear a single word.