Lines We Cross

Chapter 44

~ Graduation Day ~

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of YN's room, casting a warm glow that seemed to reflect her mood perfectly. Today marked the end of one chapter and the start of something she'd been building towards, a future she was finally ready to embrace. She moved through her room with purpose, gathering her graduation attire with steady hands, but her thoughts buzzed with anticipation—not just for the ceremony, but for what came after. A few more hours, and she'd see Lizzie again.

Downstairs, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as friends and family mingled. Alexander and Claudia had arrived early, along with Maya and Nina's parents, and the energy in the house was palpable. But beneath the celebratory smiles and light chatter, YN felt the weight of an impending conversation. She knew her father had expectations, and she wasn't going to shy away from challenging them.

After a few minutes, Alexander caught her eye and inclined his head toward the study, a silent signal. She followed, feeling the familiar tension knotting in her stomach. Once they were inside, he closed the door behind them, his gaze steady but assessing, as though already anticipating her resolve.

Alexander's voice was softer than usual. "You've accomplished something incredible today, YN. Graduating from Yale, with honors... you've made us proud."

"Thank you, Dad." Her voice was steady, but there was an edge of resolve beneath her gratitude. She knew this moment was a long time coming, and she wasn't about to let it pass.

Alexander's tone shifted to a more familiar, businesslike cadence. "With graduation, as you know, comes opportunity. The position waiting for you is more than just an advisor role. It's an entry point. A path to becoming CEO when the time is right."

YN held his gaze, feeling the weight of the Sterling legacy settling around her. She took a breath, steadying herself. "I know what you're offering, and I'm ready to accept it. But on one condition."

Her father's brow furrowed, a flicker of surprise breaking his usually composed expression. "And that condition is?"

YN's voice was firm, unwavering. "Elizabeth—Professor Olsen—will be treated with respect. Her career, her reputation... none of it will ever be affected by you or anyone else. I won't move forward unless I have your word."

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of irritation creeping into his expression. "YN, you know the boundaries between faculty and students were crossed. This isn't just about reputation—"

"She's not my professor anymore," YN cut in, her voice rising with conviction. "And whatever influence you had over my choices, it doesn't change how I feel about her. Elizabeth is off-limits, Dad. She will never suffer for this."

They stood there, locked in a battle of wills, the silence thick with unspoken arguments. Finally, Alexander's gaze shifted, and YN saw the calculation flicker in his eyes. It was clear he hadn't anticipated her standing so firm, hadn't expected this tenacity from her.

He exhaled slowly. "You're asking a lot, YN."

"No," she countered, a hint of steel in her voice. "I'm giving a lot. I'm committing to the Sterling legacy, to the future you've always wanted for me. But Elizabeth's respect and reputation are non-negotiable."

The weight of her words settled in the room, and for the first time, she saw something like respect in her father's gaze, mingling with reluctant acceptance. After a tense moment, he nodded.

"Fine. Consider it done."

Relief mixed with triumph washed over YN, though she maintained her composure. She'd earned her ground here—she wasn't about to let it show how much this meant to her. She was no longer just following the Sterling path; she was creating her own.

As they left the study, Claudia caught her daughter's eye, a proud smile softening her expression. She stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper as she murmured, "You have more of your mother in you than you realize, YN. Strength, conviction... and heart. I couldn't be prouder."

YN's heart swelled, her mother's approval adding a warmth that even graduation couldn't eclipse. Today, she hadn't just fought for her future—she'd fought for Lizzie, and for herself.

———

The ceremony felt surreal. As YN sat among her fellow graduates, waiting for her name to be called, she found herself scanning the stage. Her heart did a small leap at the sight of Lizzie, seated with the other faculty members. Lizzie's face was a study of professionalism, but YN caught the small glances Lizzie sent her way, each one a silent acknowledgment of everything they'd been through.

"Sterling, YN."

The dean's voice echoed through the hall, and a cheer erupted from the audience. YN's feet carried her forward automatically, the claps and cheers fading into the background as she locked eyes with Lizzie.

Standing there, facing Lizzie, it felt as though time had slowed. Lizzie handed her the diploma, their hands brushing for a brief, electric moment.

"Finally," Lizzie murmured, her voice low but warm. The smallest of smiles tugged at her lips.

YN held her gaze, the diploma forgotten between them for a heartbeat. "I'll see you later."

With a knowing look, Lizzie released her grip, and YN turned to the crowd, raising her diploma high. The applause and cheers hit her like a wave, but all she could think about was Lizzie's hand still warm in her own.

As YN stepped down, she glanced back just once, catching Lizzie's eye. That single look held a promise—one they both knew she intended to keep.

———

Back at the house, the celebration was in full swing. Family and friends filled every corner, laughter and congratulatory toasts echoing from every room. YN was still caught up in the whirlwind of hugs and well-wishes when Claudia approached her, pressing a glass of champagne into her hand.

"You've done it, darling," Claudia said, pride shining in her eyes. "And, I must say, you did it with style."

"Thank you, Mom," YN replied, a genuine smile softening her features. "It feels... incredible."

But as the night wore on, her excitement shifted to a quiet anticipation. Her gaze kept drifting toward the door, her mind elsewhere. She was already planning her escape, the next steps, the night she'd waited so long for.

At one point, Maya sidled up to her, catching the subtle glances. "You're practically vibrating with excitement. Thinking about heading out early?"

YN chuckled, but the truth was evident in her eyes. "Maybe just a little."

Nina raised an eyebrow, smirking. "So, are you just going to disappear into the night?"

YN shrugged, a grin tugging at her lips. "Would you guys hate me if I did?"

They laughed, giving her hugs before nudging her toward the door. "Go get your girl," Maya whispered with a wink.

With one last look at the festivities, YN slipped out, her heart racing as she headed to her car. The night air was cool, but it did little to calm the heat of anticipation coursing through her veins. She drove through the quiet streets, every mile bringing her closer to the woman she loved.

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