Chapter 94: Happy Graduation

As the dean called her name, Maggie felt awkward. She had been avoiding Nathael. Why couldn't she run away from him? She was hesitant to approach him, feeling guilty. In the past, her scheming hadn't bothered her, but now, even small lies embarrassed her.

Maggie pretended not to hear, but she knew the dean was watching. Hearing the dean's words, Nathael glanced toward her. He'd always known she was there; she was popular, constantly surrounded by people wanting photos. Twenty-six classmates, including Vanessa, had taken photos with her—six had taken two, and three had taken three.

Feeling his gaze, Maggie shivered. She considered an excuse, but before she could, her mentor, Laura, intervened, pulling Maggie toward Nathael. "Go show your face to Mr. Harris," Laura urged. "If you want to survive in Aquapolis, you must not offend him." Maggie couldn't escape, forcing a smile.

"What should I do if I've already offended him?" she murmured. Laura, preoccupied, didn't hear.

Dragged away, Maggie looked up and met Nathael's ink-black eyes—deep, cold, and piercing. His handsome face exuded the aloofness of a young master. His straight nose, thin lips, and intense gaze were unnerving.

Maggie swallowed, trying to appear calm. Don't be timid, she thought. Timid about what? Despite her inner turmoil, her actions had been more refined lately. At the press conference, she'd defended him, facing online criticism accusing her of using his popularity for attention.

This thought eased her guilt. She hadn't done anything truly malicious; she'd only spoken frankly to dispel the Camerons' doubts, avoiding direct confrontation.

"Maggie, this is the CEO of Harris Group, Mr. Nathael Harris," Laura announced, introducing them.

Facing Nathael's cold gaze, Maggie's heart tightened, but she extended her hand warmly. "Mr. Harris, I've heard so much about you. Please take care of me."

"Mr. Harris, this is Miss Maggie Adam, our school's most outstanding student," the dean added with a smile. "She's very talented in design." The dean found the pair pleasing to the eye.

Nathael took Maggie's hand briefly, his voice low and cold. "Nice to meet you." He quickly released her hand, his expression unchanged except for a hint of patience.

Neither spoke much. The dean and school director tried to encourage conversation, but the atmosphere remained stiff.

"Let the photographer take a few photos of Mr. Harris and Maggie," Laura whispered, worried Nathael would leave.

"Don't bother Mr. Harris," Maggie said subconsciously, feeling his gaze weaken her knees. Nathael's gaze grew colder.

Tears welled in Maggie's eyes; she realized she'd misspoken.

"Ms. Adam, do you think I'm unworthy?" Nathael asked, his voice low and intimidating.

Maggie, flustered, remained silent, then took the initiative. "Mr. Zimmerman, please take a photo of me with Mr. Harris," she said to the photographer. "Of course," he replied cheerfully.

The photograph captured Maggie's bright, pure, and aloof beauty, with a dreamy allure. Nathael appeared handsome and stern, yet surprisingly tender and vulnerable. As Maggie smiled, Nathael subtly softened his gaze.

After a few hours (and several attempts), he finally had his picture with her. "Maggie, come closer to Mr. Harris," Mr. Zimmerman prompted, addressing Maggie rather than Nathael.

What are you trying to capture? Maggie wondered. Why so close?

Nevertheless, she moved closer. The scent of cedar from him was fresh and pleasant. Feeling awkward, she kept her hands in front of her. She’d been in more intimate situations before, yet this felt uncomfortable.

Nathael subtly moved closer, positioning himself differently than in previous photos; his arm was behind her, creating the impression of a gentle embrace. Maggie remained still. Her cheeks flushed.

"Are you nervous?" Nathael asked softly, his gaze lingering on her earlobe.

"Mr. Harris, you're overthinking it," Maggie whispered. "It's just a photo."

Nathael chuckled. "Your ears are very red."

Maggie, convinced he was teasing, retorted calmly, "It's natural."

They fell silent until Mr. Zimmerman snapped the photo. "That's perfect," he declared. "This photo will be a hit on our alumni board."

Afterward, Nathael departed as if she were a stranger. Maggie felt a mix of disappointment and relief. Why did I blush? she wondered. I made a fool of myself!

As students dispersed, a delivery man approached. "Are you Miss Maggie?" he asked.

"Yes."

"These are for you. Congratulations on your graduation," he said, handing her a bouquet of vibrant orange flowers.

Let's Start All Over Again, Shall We?