Graduation was a simple affair. Bleachers were set up on the school's football field for students to sit and wait for their names to be called after the principal and valedictorian spoke.

Keeley faintly saw her father in the fifth row; he’d raised his arm and given her a thumbs-up upon arrival. Lydia and Jeffrey were behind her somewhere, their last names starting with P and R.

Keeley sat between a rigid Aaron and Jessica Holiday, a classmate she’d shared a few classes with. They weren't friends, but they were on decent terms after a shared project.

The speeches were incredibly boring, so Keeley fidgeted, accidentally kicking Aaron while adjusting her legs.

"Sorry!" she whispered. It was their first conversation since her birthday.

"It's fine," he replied with a heavy sigh.

Keeley wondered what his problem was. His usual coldness was tinged with despair. She knew he was upset about something. This should have been a happy day.

Her stomach tightened remembering his parents' absence from his first graduation. A quick scan confirmed they hadn’t come today either. That would upset anyone.

A surge of affection for her own father followed. He never missed important events, compensating for her mother’s and brother’s absence. Keeley missed them, but never lacked familial love.

Aaron, however, lacked a loving family. In all her years knowing the Hales, she'd never seen a warm interaction between them. Roslyn was too busy being a high-society wife to notice her only child, and Alistair was even colder than his son. Keeley couldn't imagine him caring about anyone outside his business empire. No wonder Aaron was the way he was.

It was a sad situation, but Keeley couldn't entirely pity him. He could have broken the cycle of coldness but hadn't. She felt more miserable and isolated than Roslyn, who at least had her social circle. Keeley never fit in, no matter how hard she tried.

She thought an emotionless man deserved a loveless marriage to a socialite who benefited his business. They shouldn’t have been together. He'd probably end up with Lacy or another socialite; they could be cold and distant together. Good riddance.

Yet, a small part of her felt sorry that any child lacked someone to celebrate with. He might seem adult-like, but he was still seventeen. His parents' absence likely hurt.

Only fifty-three students graduated from Westwind Academy that year; private school classes are smaller than public ones. The name-calling was quick.

“…Angela Bailer…Marianne Burton…Braxton Collins…Emily Costa…Michael Davis…”

It took less than five minutes to call names up to G.

Keeley prepared to walk across the makeshift stage without tripping in her wedge heels. “…Jared Gilmore…Landon Green…Aaron Hale…”

It was her turn.

"Keeley Hall!" the principal announced, shaking her hand as she approached. He gave her the usual congratulatory nod and handed her a diploma. She did it! She was free!

Keeley beamed, returning to her seat. She opened the diploma: Keeley Hall, Westwind Academy, Class of 2006. The school insignia was stamped below. NYU, here she comes!

She hugged the diploma. Finally, she could move forward.

The ceremony ended fifteen minutes later after closing remarks. Gleeful students scattered to find their families. Keeley found her father and he swept her into his arms.

"Way to go, honeybun! I'm so proud of you!"

She laughed, hugging him tightly. "Thanks, Daddy!"

He set her down and insisted on taking pictures of her with her diploma. Keeley wanted pictures with her dad, but didn't see anyone to ask. She spotted Aaron alone.

"Aaron!" she called.

He turned, surprise briefly flashing across his face before returning to his usual blank expression. He hesitated, then approached.

"You called?"

"Could you take pictures of my dad and me? We'll return the favor," she offered. It was a mutually beneficial transaction; everyone else was busy, and he had no one.

He gave her an unfathomable look before taking the camera without a word.

She smiled and hugged her dad. They took several pictures.

"Thanks! Now for yours," she said cheerfully.

Her father took some photos, then suggested, "Why don't we get one of you two together?"

Keeley's smile froze. Stupid!

"Uh, Dad, we're not actually that close, so—"

"Sure," Aaron cut her off, looking expectant.

She sighed. There was no arguing. She didn't want another lecture from her dad.

She moved beside him, keeping a distance. He moved closer, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"It won't be a good shot if you're too far away."

She scowled. Of course, he'd take advantage. It was easier to comply.

Keeley smiled for the camera, but Aaron's face remained neutral as they held up their diplomas. She stepped away. Their time together was over.

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