Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 65

**(Mature themes and explicit content ahead)**

The last three days went by in a steady, predictable rhythm for Estrella.

Her results were announced, and while she didn't ace her exams as she had hoped, she was relieved to have passed given everything she'd been through.

The weight of her struggles made her success all the more meaningful, and she allowed herself to feel a quiet pride.

Graduation day arrived, a momentous occasion that unfolded in a fairly routine way.

There were no grand surprises, just the typical pomp and ceremony.

The one thing that dampened her spirits was Kai's absence; he had been called to Portland for some urgent coven business and had been gone for nearly two days.

She understood, but it didn't stop her from feeling a twinge of disappointment.

Still, Caroline and Lexi did their best to lift her mood as she got ready, buzzing around her with compliments and encouragement.

As she stood before the mirror, putting the finishing touches on her gown.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her attention away from the chatter around her.

It was a message from Kai.

She picked it up with a small smile, her heart warming as she read his words.

"Congratulations, Pumpkin! I'm so proud of you," the message began, followed by a string of celebratory emojis. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there, but I know you rocked it."

As she read, she could almost feel his presence beside her, comforting and reassuring even from miles away.

A photo popped up in the chat—he had sent a picture of himself playfully blowing a kiss.

Though it wasn't the same as having him there, the picture helped ease the ache of missing him as she grinned.

She stared at the screen for a moment longer, her fingers brushing over the image.

"I miss you more," she whispered to herself before typing it out and hitting send.

The ceremony began, and Estrella's nerves fluttered as the moment approached for her name to be called.

But when it finally was, she couldn't help but laugh as her brothers and friends erupted into cheers from the audience.

"Go, Estrella!" they shouted, their voices echoing through the hall.

The sound of their support was like a comforting blanket, wrapping her in warmth and love, easing the tension she had felt just moments before.

As she made her way across the stage, she froze mid-step when she heard him—Kai, standing there with his phone held high, recording her every move.

"Yeah, that's my girlfriend! Go, Pumpkin!" Kai's voice rang out clear and proud, a grin spreading across his face.

For a moment, she thought she was imagining it, but there he was, in the flesh.

Caroline and Lexi burst into laughter beside Stefan, who watched in amused disbelief as Estrella's face turned a deep shade of red.

Elena couldn't help but crack a smile, though Damon and Bonnie looked slightly annoyed, as if Kai had somehow broken the unspoken rules of decorum.

Estrella couldn't help but smile at him, her heart swelling with affection as she blushed furiously.

Kai winked at her, wiggling his fingers in a playful wave, and she mirrored the gesture, feeling a surge of happiness wash over her.