Chapter 560

Judy's POV

“That dress is gorgeous on you," Irene breathed with a large smile on her face. "And you are glowing. Have you always glowed like this?"

"She's right," Nan said, her eyes wide. "You are glowing, Judy."

I looked down at the sundress I was wearing, my cheeks flushed. I was graduating tonight, as was Nan. Today was the second biggest day of my life; the first being winning the Gamma competition. My entire family was going to be there, all of my friends; pretty much the whole pack, though I'm not expecting the Cash family to arrive, and some members of the Silver Crescent pack will be there as well.

Rumors were already flying all around that Gavin was planning on making an appearance as well. My heart was thudding wildly in my chest. It's been about 2 weeks since I last saw him, and every time I ask someone about him, like Matt, Irene, Erik, or even Beta Taylor, they would all tell me the same things.

"He's been busy."

"He's barely around anymore."

"I never saw or talked to him either."

I felt a little better knowing it wasn't just me but also felt crappy knowing that he slept with me and then went off the grid for 2 weeks. The last official thing I knew of him was that he was with Rachel at the hospital, and now, nothing. I tried to brush the thought from my mind because today was supposed to be a joyous day. I had worked hard to get to where I am. I was finally graduating and starting my life, which meant I had some serious decisions to make.

I've had job offers left and right since the competition and now I was finally ready to think more seriously about them.

Alpha Levi's beta, Ron, had also been in contact with me about the job opportunity they are offering me in one of their packs. It was a huge opportunity, and truth be told, I'd be stupid to turn it down. I keep waiting for Gavin to offer me something, but he still hasn't.

Some say he's waiting until I icially graduate, but honestly, wouldn't he have said something to me by now about it?

"I can't believe my Judy is graduating," my mom said, wrapping me in her arms, tears in her eyes. "After everything you've been through, I'm so very proud of you for accomplishing this huge goal.

"Thanks, Mom," I say to her, hugging her tightly.

"Have you already written your speech?" Nan asked.

I nodded.

"Yes, I wrote my speech," I confirmed, patting my purse. "It's all in here. Hopefully, it sounds good."

"I'm sure it'll be great," Irene says, nudging me playfully. "We should go through. We don't want to be late for the ceremony."

"Are you sure Emalyn will be okay in the care of a maid?" I asked.

"I trust her," Irene assured me. "She'll be fine. Besides, there's no choice. I'm not bringing a baby to a graduation ceremony. Chester is going to the ceremony to support Nan. There's no one else to watch her."

I nodded.

"Okay, well, as long as you trust her. That's all that's important."

We had to take several cars to the ceremony; rode with my parents. I was nervous. My heart was hammering in my chest the closer we got to the ceremony. As the car pulled up to the front doors, saw a cluster of students getting their graduation robes on. Namand Chester had arrived before us, so she was already getting her robes on.

She beamed when she saw me approaching.

She waved me over to a group of girls who were all standing around, talking about the event before them. They were all whispering about Gavin Landry and how he's supposed to be arriving at the ceremony soon.

I was nervous to see him; I wanted to talk to him about why he disappeared, but I knew now was not the time to have that conversation.

"You look so nervous," Nan chuckled, handing me my robes.

I smiled gratefully at her and started to put the robes on.

"I am," I admitted.

We walked into a busy ceremony hall; some other students were already seated, those who weren't graduating this year. Lukas, being one of them, waved at me when he saw me walking down the long aisle that led to the center stage.

I sat with the other graduating students in front; it was by alphabetical order, so I

couldn't sit with Nan.noveldrama

As seats started to fill, I glanced around the place, my eyes finding my parents, who were waving and smiling at me. I couldn't help but smile back. My eyes continued to scan the place, and then the landed on trene, who gave me a wry smile in return. The seat beside her, reserved for her father, was empty. My heart fell into my stomach.

He wasn't here.

My eyes found hers again, and she gave me a slight shrug and mouthed, "He'll be here."

I nodded, forcing a smile myself.

Nan caught my eye from the front row, and she gave me a small smile; I returned

it, though mine felt more forced.