Unexpected Contract with the Billionaire

Chapter 5

Chapter 05

Serena Martin

"Congratulations, Miss Martin. You did a good job."

I emotionally accepted the summary result of my grades. Wasn't it just last week when my friends and I were doing our thesis, and now we're here? I received another good piece of news, and it's to see the grades that I maintained from the start.

"Congratulations! You are the only nursing student who will graduate with an honor this year, and I can say that you deserve it. Out of all my students from your batch, you are the only one that I could say that really persevered. I salute all the hard work and sacrifices you made, and I am certain that your parents are so proud of you."

Mrs. Gilbert knows that I have worked part-time since freshman and until now because she's a regular at the fast food restaurant.

I wrapped my arms around her with tears in my eyes. Honestly, she's one of the nicest people I've ever met. She served as a second mother, not only to me but to her other students. She was always there to remind us to persevere, to motivate us about life, and to not give up until we reached our dreams. And now, the day is almost here. A few more days, and we'll climb to the stage of our dreams.

The time went by so fast. It seems just like yesterday when I almost lost my mind in completing my requirements, but we're now practicing our graduation. Plus, I now have to prepare for my graduation speech. Of course, I want to be the one to write it because I want everyone to know just how proud I am that I was able to balance my studies and work, and I was able to reach the highest grade in this course.

That night, after I received the good news, I called my parents and excitedly told them what happened.

"Really? Then we'll have a nurse daughter?!" My father exclaimed in excitement.

"Yes, but of course, I have to pass the licensure exam first to be a licensed nurse. Mom and Dad, I want you two to be there at my graduation. I want to receive my honor with my parents." I emotionally asked them.

The happiness faded from my father's face, and it was replaced by sadness. "Serena, I'm afraid we can't do that. We have nothing more to sell here for our tickets. I'm sorry, but I think our attendance is impossible."

I shook my head. "You don't need to worry about that. I will send you some money you can use to get here. Bring Oliver and Jina with you. I want us to be complete on that day."

If my grandparents are still alive, I'd want them to be here as well. It's my parents' dream to see me graduate, and I want them to personally hear my graduation speech.

"But the ticket is expensive, dear! Where will you get the money for our

I cut my mother off with a smile. "I have savings, mom, so don't worry. I saved enough for that day."

I am planning on using Liam's money to pay for my family's tickets. What's the use of returning it when it's impossible for him to cancel the contract? Besides, I already spent some of it.

"If that's the case, then we'll be there, Serena. I'm sorry you had to spend your savings on us."

"Dad, that is nothing. The important thing is that you'll be here," I assured them.

When the call ended, I started to create my graduation speech with a smile on my face.

I am starting at nothing while munching on french fries in the cafeteria. I was supposed to be memorizing my speech, but there are too many things that are bothering me. And why wouldn't I be bothered when I saw the calendar where I marked the exact four months since I met Liam?

And that is... in three days. The exact day of my graduation.

I am dead!

I banged my forehead on the table in frustration. Why does it have to be that day? The day when my family is going to be here?!

I was snapped out of my emotional episode when I felt someone shaking me, and when I looked up, I saw Patrick.

"Hi, crush." He greeted me with a huge grin on his face and sat across me.

I secretly winced and fixed my hair. Why is he here again? I've known Patrick since sophomore year, and he's been bothering me since then, but he's not my type, so I've turned him down a few times already. It's not that I'm being picky, but I like men who are older and taller than me. Besides, having a relationship isn't really on my mind right now because my dream is my priority.

But of course, that'll change in a few days because I'm about to get married against my will!

"What do you want?" I asked him in an unfriendly tone because I wanted to make it clear that I had no interest in him.

Despite this, Patrick still smiled at me. "I just want to congratulate you in advance. I knew there was something in you, and that's why I like you. You're beautiful and smart. I just want you to know how proud I am of you."

My eyebrows almost reached the ceiling, and I cringed at his words. "Thank you," I casually replied.

"Rena, if you don't mind, I want to—"

"Can't you see that I'm busy?" I cut him off with a frown.

The smile faded from his face, and he sighed. "I just want to invite you for lunch. I hope—"

"I'm sorry, Patrick, but my answer remains the same. I cannot return your feelings because you're not my type, so don't waste your time. We're about to graduate, and once I pass the exam, I will go back to our home to work there, and we will never see each other again. So please just stop."

I saw how hurt and sadness crossed his face. I didn't want to say those words either, but that's better than for him to still hope. If only he knew the life that was waiting for me after graduation.

He didn't say anything anymore and just forced a smile before leaving. I sighed and focused on the matter at hand, even when a single word refused to enter my mind.