The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 55

Alistair turned at the sound of her voice.

She was still wearing the shredded white dress, a casually draped coat shielding her from the chill. Her stage makeup was flawless and striking.

She jogged up to him, her eyes bright.

The older man extended his arm, handing her the beautiful bouquet. "Happy graduation."

Celia accepted the flowers with absolute delight, tilting her head to smile at him. "How did you know I'd actually graduate? What if my dance was terrible and they made me re-do it?"

Alistair looked entirely relaxed, his hands slipping casually into his pockets. "You wouldn't."

Her eyes curved into pretty crescents. "Of course I wouldn't. Not only did I pass, but the professors gave me an 'Excellent'!"

Alistair offered a low "Mhm," completely unsurprised by the outcome.

The university track field was situated right next to the theater.

Since it was evening, the field was crowded with students jogging and hanging out.

Alistair's towering height and striking, aristocratic features made him impossible to ignore. Simply standing there, he became a magnet for everyone's attention.

As a group of girls walked past, they whispered excitedly among themselves, "Which department is he from? He's gorgeous! How have we never seen him around?"

Catching their whispers, Celia couldn't hold back a soft giggle.

She tilted her head, her tone teasing. "It seems you look quite young. They think you're a college student."

Having just navigated a high-stakes corporate crisis and watched her captivating performance, Alistair's demeanor had visibly softened.

He gave a low, lazy hum, his voice vibrating with magnetic warmth. "I attended a strict military academy. My campus life wasn't exactly... vibrant."

He paused, his gaze dropping to the bouquet in her hands. "Ken informed me that flowers were mandatory for a graduation. I picked these up at the last minute. Your custom arrangement will arrive tomorrow."

Celia smiled down at the petals, carefully adjusting them. When she looked up, her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "You didn't have to. I'm already so happy just having this."

Alistair immediately caught the shift in her mood. His brows drew together slightly. "Why are you upset?"

"I'm not upset," she whispered, taking a small step closer to him, her head bowed. "I just... I never expected you'd actually come..."

Alistair gazed down at her.

The weight of her small fingers on his sleeve was as light as a feather. He felt it, yet he made no move to pull away.

"I will never miss another important milestone in your life," Alistair promised solemnly. "You don't need to cry, Celia."

--

It was past ten o'clock by the time Celia returned to the Stafford Villa.

Alistair had pressing matters to attend to, so Ken had driven her home.

As the car pulled up to the estate, Ken offered her a smaller, modest bouquet with a warm smile. "Happy graduation, Ms. Stafford."

Celia took it, beaming brightly. "Thank you so much, Ken!"

Ken chuckled, visibly relieved. "Please don't be upset with Mr. Zucker. There was a... critical emergency at the corporation this afternoon that required his immediate authority. Otherwise, he never would have left."

She nodded with sweet understanding. "I know. I'd never be mad at him."

Ken's smile widened. "So, you're officially a college graduate now?"