"Carmella Anthony", I hear the announcer roar through the microphone as I wait in line for my name to be called so that I can shake hands with the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Alphacrest. I finally reached my first milestone, which was graduating college with a bachelor's Degree in Biology.

The black graduating gown that garnered my body sat on top of a one-of-a-kind signature dress made by the world-renowned fashion designer, Jessica Dean, someone who was a respected figure within the fashion industry.

A couple of days ago, my mind was running a mile a minute because I waited until the very last minute to figure out what I was going to wear to my college graduation.

I was on a Facetime call with Eryx, I had my phone propped up against my Amberwood dresser as I rummaged through my closet that was filled with loads of jeans, sneakers, dresses, purses, and heels.

My hands pushed through hanger after hanger as I was shaking my head at every article of clothing that would fit the occasion appropriate enough to wear to a college graduation.

I sigh in annoyance. "I can't find anything to wear", I throw my hands in the air and look over to see Eryx lying across his bed, looking at me with concern.

I blink my eyes rapidly trying to figure out why he is looking at me in that way.

"Don't look at me like that Eryx. This is a big deal. I don't have shit to wear to my fucking graduation. I knew I should have started looking for a dress a couple of weeks ago". My breathing becomes labored as I feel myself on the brink of having an anxiety attack.

"Verena come down Cherie. I can fix all of this for you". I walk out of my closet and take a seat on the edge of the bed as I grab hold of my phone so I can take a closer look at Eryx. "Just let me handle everything for you. I know graduating college is a big deal, so let me get in contact with some people alright".

I am not sure how Eryx can fix any of this being I pretty much waited until the very last minute to make dress shopping one of the tasks I should have handled while I was taking my Capstone class, but my mind has been filled with trying to pass my last undergraduate class as well as spending the majority of my spare time with Eryx, not that have any complaints about.

"Okay if you say so Eryx. I will let you handle this because this shit stressing me out".

When Eryx told me he was going to handle everything, he did just that. The next day I got a knock on the bedroom door with my mother holding a large white box in her hands.

"The mailman just dropped this off at the front porch and it is addressed to you". I quickly take the large box out of my mother's hands as we both walk inside my bedroom before I place the box on my bed. I open the box and I immediately place my hand against my mouth, as I squeal in excitement.

"Is this a Jessica Dean dress", mama asks as she takes a look inside of the box and sees Jessica Dean's emblem on the dress tag. I nod my head as I place my hands against the soft silk flowy strapless white gown.

I hold the dress against my body before I walk toward the mirror lying against the wall near the dresser. The bodice is fitted and the neckline has a sweetheart shape. The fabric is lightweight as my hands roam down each side of the dress.

This dress was absolutely beautiful. "Yes, this is a Jessica Dean dress. I can't believe I have a Jessica Dean dress". Mama stands behind me as she smiles and then takes a look at the dress in my hands. "Did that young man you have been seeing buy this dress Verena", mama asks me as I quickly begin to take off my clothes to try on the dress.

"Umm, yes. There is no way I can afford anything like this". Jessica Dean created elegant signature dresses that many socialites and female celebrities grace the red carpets in for movie premieres or award shows.

Her designs have graced the covers of many elite fashion magazines and being that she is a native of Alphacrest made her a big deal within the city. Mama nods but has a neutral look in her eyes as if she is pondering what to say next.

"Do you like this young man romantically". I blush as Mama zips the back of my dress.

"Absolutely. Although he hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend just yet". Mama nods as she places her hand around my shoulder as she looks at me through the mirror.

"If this the man your heart desires I won't talk against him", she then pats my back, "Just be careful. I have heard a lot of good and bad things about Eryx Vallea".

I frown because this is the second time Mama has mentioned hearing something bad about Eryx, but rather than go into detail about what she means she decides to be evasive about the information.

I bite the corners of my lips as I shift my attention away from the negativity Mama is trying to pull from me. I ignore her and reach for my phone to thank Eryx for gifting me this beautiful gown.

I am taken from my thoughts of what happened a few days prior as my name finally is called as my Versace Pink Slingback heels click hard against the stage floor.

"Verena Ashbourne", the announcer calls my name as I shake hands with the Dean of the College of Arts and Science. Butterflies form in the pit of my stomach as I am given a scroll and take several pictures with the dean before walking to the end of the stage.

I am suddenly startled when I see Eryx standing at the last step with a large bouquet of red roses in his hand. My eyes roam down his body as I take in his fitted Khaki suit that showcases his muscles and compliments his tall, muscular stature perfectly. He takes hold of my hand and kisses my lips.

I hear people begin to clap loudly, cheering for us, as I hide my face against his chest. "Eryx, I do not think you are supposed to be up here", I then look around to see several people looking in our direction. "I do not give a fuck who is staring at us. I am here to support my woman on her big day".

My eyes widen in surprise, "What did you just say". Eryx places his forehead against mine as he looks down at me with admiration in his ginger-colored eyes. "You heard me Verena Ashbourne. I said you are my woman".

He then places his hand against my cheek. "There is not a minute that goes by that I am not thinking of you or wanting to be next to you. I want you to be my girlfriend, will you be mine, Verena", he asks waiting for my answer. Without a second thought rummaging in my mind, "Yes".

I say back as Eryx lifts me in his arms, picking me up off the ground as he kisses me passionately. I do not even take notice of the many people who took their phones out to record the intimate moment between Eryx and me.

We part from our kiss seconds later as Eryx places me back on the ground as we walk hand in hand, I smile at my classmates and many people in the crowd before I make my way back to my seat as I watch Eryx take a seat out in the audience close to wear my mom is sitting.

I watch as he whispers something to her that causes her to smile at him for a brief moment before their attention drifts back to watching the rest of my classmates get their college degrees.



I think any girl could fall in love with Eryx, he is just so romantic. I love writing about him.