The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Extra 32: A Heartfelt Moment

The media were talking about this party as one of the best of the year because they had found out that the guest list was extensive and diverse: ranging from politicians and businesspeople to a few celebrities and even regular folks.

Honestly, this guest list only fueled more curiosity, although those close to George already knew who the honorees were but kept quiet to avoid the reporters spoiling the surprise.

In fact, this very curiosity led several reporters to sneak into the banquet hall to film everything and keep an eye on who was coming and going.

Right at that moment, Casandra was watching a live stream by an independent reporter who was inside, capturing everything that was happening.

"Well, it seems they weren't kidding when they said old Peterson was going all out because she just showed some beautiful designer bags, which I imagine will be given out as party favors," said Cassandra's mother.

"Oh my God... look at that beautiful bag," Casandra said, gazing at the images.

"It looks like they're setting up for a special event in the garden since they're putting up a tent... I'll see if I can get a bit closer to see what they're hiding in that spot and..." The reporter who was recording ducked out of sight as she saw a trailer arriving, and showed several decorators coming out to meet it.

"Good afternoon," greeted the driver of the large vehicle.

"Great, you're just in time. We've just finished setting up so you can store it," said the person in charge.

"Alright, I'll unload it now. The other one is inside too."

"Perfect."

"Oh my God... look at that beauty," the girl exclaimed in a low voice, trying to contain her excitement. God, I'm so jealous... I want one like that too."

"Dad Casandra looked thrilled as she ran to find her parents.

"What is it, honey?"

"Remember you told me that Grandpa gave you something amazing when you were my age?"

"Yes, although if I think about it, it was more like a consolation prize because he was a bit angry with me, but in the end, he gave it to me thanks to my mother." "Well, maybe he wants to make it up to you because look at this," she said, showing him the screen.

"Oh my God.. what's that?' her mother asked in astonishment.

"This reporter is inside the party, snooping around, and she saw that this is one of the gifts along with those boxes."

"But Casandra... Roger, are you sure this party is for us?

"Mom. don't be such a killjoy."

"I'm not. I just remember the look of hatred in my brother-in-law's eyes and the threat he made years ago."

At the memory, both Roger and Cassandra grimaced.

"Don't worry, Mom. You'll see, this time things will be different. This party is to celebrate my engagement because he got an Invitation to the party."

"That's true, dear," Roger agreed.

"I suppose you're right about that."

Cassandra's mother still had her doubts, but even so, they began preparing to attend the party, which was supposed to be a luncheon.

Meanwhile, the Cooper family was at the school.

Everyone was dressed in formal attire and seated in the school auditorium alongside other families. At that moment, the graduation ceremony for the architecture program was taking place.

James and his classmates were listening to congratulatory speeches from their coordinator and the principal, who wished them luck in their new life paths and reminded them to face the new challenges of their professional journey with wisdom.

"Well, that's enough blah blah blah. Let's get to the most important part, the awarding of degrees for the class of 2024-2029. Wow, I still remember how many of you started, and now only the strongest and most determined remain," the principal said, looking at the 15 students graduating, noting that about 40

had started.

Everyone laughed, seeing the principal getting sentimental.

"When I call your name, please come forward," said the secretary, taking the microphone to start reading

the list.

When it was James's turn, the whole family applauded, and Elizabeth didn't waste a second, taking lots of photos of her older brother.

*James, wait a moment," the principal called out, stopping him from returning to his seat. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor for me to present this award for excellence to Mr. James Cooper, the first in five generations to graduate with honors, having achieved perfect grades," he announced, handing him a plaque. "Thank you, Principal Joel," James said, shaking his hand and posing for Elizabeth to snap a picture. Jayden and Deborah had tears in their eyes, proudly watching their son graduate in his chosen profession.

"Wow, now I have something new to brag to my friends about," Eric joked as his grandson came over to

them.

"James, we're so proud of you," said Samantha..

"Wow... my little genius," Deborah added, hugging him.

"Yay, we have a certified nerd as a brother," Michael teased, laughing.

"Hey," James protested.

"But you're our nerd," Nicole said, hugging him.

"And a very handsome one," Elizabeth added.© NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

James laughed at everyone's congratulations, then noticed his father approaching.

"Son," Jayden began, feeling his voice catch in his throat. He simply hugged James tightly. "I'm so proud of you. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Dad."

"By the way, it's too bad Grandpa Nicholas Isn't here. He'd be crying his eyes out," Nicole said with a playful grin.

"The grandparents went to handle something really important," Michael pointed out.

"But I recorded everything so they can see it later," Elizabeth said, winking and waving her camera. "Now, everyone, get together for a family photo."

"Need a hand?" A beautiful brunette approached them

"Yes, thanks," Elizabeth said, handing her the camera so she could get into the picture with her family.

After that, James met up with his friends to chat for a while. After exchanging a few words and jokes, they all went their separate ways to celebrate with their respective families. However, they agreed to meet up another day to have drinks and celebrate this significant achievement together.

"All set, son?" Deborah asked as James returned to them.

"Yeah.

"Aren't you going out for drinks or something?" Jayden asked.

"Another day, Dad. Everyone's going to celebrate with their families today."

"Oh, well, in that case, let's celebrate on our own," Eric suggested.

"Yes, let's go," James began to say, but...

"Before we go celebrate, come here, handsome, you need to be blindfolded," Elizabeth announced, pulling a scarf from her purse.

"What? Why?" James protested.

"Come on, brother, it's for the surprise," Michael chimed in.

"Uh..."

"James... your siblings are right," Deborah said, trying to persuade him.

James just sighed, realizing they had planned something. He bent down a bit to let Elizabeth tie the scarf over his eyes, covering his vision.

Once they were sure he couldn't see anything, Deborah took his hand to guide him back to the car while Eric used his phone to let everyone know they were on their way.