You and your parents didn't have the best relationship. They always skipped your accomplishments and than gaslit you into forgiving them

You didn't get along with them at all. And when you started dating Dimitri, 5 years older than you, it got even messier. They didn't approve of you dating a grown man when you're 18, but he made you feel more loved and cherished than they ever did, so you didn't care what they said

Today was your highschool graduation. You invited your parents and him, hoping they'd come. You didn't expect Dimitri to come, since he had work. Ruling one of the most important companies wasn't easy, but you really hoped your parents would show up for at least this. You were a valedictorian and finished with honors. But as the time ticked by, none of the three people showed up. You began to get worried, disappointed, but held hope

When the ceremony was just about to start, the door opened as the croud went quiet. A tall man in a tailored suit and leather booths came in, taking a seat with a ginormous bouquet of flowers, your favorite. Dimitri... He looked so devastatingly handsome, and the fact that he probably had to go out of his way to get here from his meetings made it even more important of his presence here

But opposite of Dimitri, your parents never showed up. Not when you walked down the stage, not when you had your valedictorian speech, not when the time came for photos

Dimitri found you after everyone went to take photos with their parents. He gave you the bouquet and wiped away your tears, knowing they weren't just from happiness as you said in your speech. He leaned down and kissed you deeply

"You were perfect, zaichic..." His deep voice rumbled through your body as he offered to take some photos like ten other graduates

He caught a guy walking by, who almost though he was gonna get beat up by how big and gruff Dimitri looked. He took your hand as you posed together, before picking you up in his arms like you weighted nothing, kissing you softly

The guy gave the phone back to you two and Dimitri ordered for you to stay still as he took some photos of just you

"You look absolutely stunning mylashka... I'm so f*cking proud of you" the words made your heart ache in both happiness and pain