A Graduation Gift

It is said that a man has gold under his knees - he should never show his weakness by kneeling before another person. Yet here Lionel found himself kneeling to Cassandra, but of course that was because Rufus had made him. He collapsed in a heap, rocking back and forth, trying to find a way to get up off the floor.

Lionel felt absolutely humiliated. He had never kneeled to anyone in his life. The awkward gesture rendered Cassandra startled. She gasped as she covered her mouth with her tiny hands, her eyes filled with surprise.

"Rufus, forget it. I didn't get hurt anyway. Let him go."

Cassandra was afraid that the spectators would make mountains out of molehills. She wanted everything to be copacetic, for everyone to get along. She hated drama. At her words, Lionel broke free from Rufus.

But Lionel was furious and ready for a rematch. Between his impetuousness and Rufus's machismo, they were poised to go at each other again. Fortunately, someone had called hotel security. Security guards arrived just in time to wrestle the two away from each other.

"Rufus, this is not over! Don't even think we are done. I'll get you back for this someday, when you least expect it! And I swear it'll hurt far worse than your weak-ass kick."

Lionel glared at Rufus like a cat gone feral, aching to sink his teeth into some blood and flesh. He gnashed his teeth and pointed two fingers at Rufus as he turned to leave the hotel. Rufus, for his part, kept it cool as Lionel bolted his way out of the door.

Lionel caught one last look at Cassandra as he left. His foul mood had been brewing and demanded that he had to leave now, before his ego took anymore damage. So he looked away quickly and sped up his pace to get the hell out of there.

A sudden and unexpected farce had come to an end. After Lionel left, there was a worried look on Cassandra's face and her eyebrows furrowed. She bit her lips subconciously. Lionel wouldn't give up easily this time. He wouldn't stop until he ferreted out the truth. The man was on a crusade.

If Lionel didn't stop at this incident – if he didn't let go of Rufus during their scuffle and tracked down the clues – sooner or later, he would find out what had happened between Cassandra and Rufus that night in Rome. And if that actually happened, it would be a disaster.

"Don't worry. I'm here with you,"

Rufus said to Cassandra, hoping to bring her a bit of comfort. He could feel her anxiety and worry. Rufus gazed at Cassandra lovingly as he glided toward her. His gentle voice was magical, easing her fears.

Cassandra raised her eyes to meet his and nodded her head.

She didn't know why, but she felt so secure having him around her, as always.

long to

with light

walked right up to Cassandra and slapped her in the face.

so fast that even Rufus, who was vigilant at all times, didn't

But it was hard to stanch the flow of tears, as she didn't understand why

just slap her for no reason? Who gave you

silence. His face took on a menacing look, and his

yelled, "I slapped her for no reason? Really? I'm teaching my daughter-in-law a lesson she should have learned by now! Cassandra, you are such a whore. And you're making a fool out

after saying such nasty words. She glared at Cassandra,

came back. Cassandra's worry was right. Her head was

think I am

the eye. From her newly composed demeanor, no one would have believed Jill had just slapped

No wonder you are an illegitimate child, Rufus. The fish rots from the head down. I couldn't care less about your personal

she continued to badger Rufus and Cassandra. She even had insulted Rufus's mother.

you dare say that

his mood, but there

don't you? I tell you what. Both of you are shameless and care nothing about

she knew that she was still in the Tang

making the atmosphere suffocating. But Rufus was fueled by the increasing discontent. Even Cassandra,

room's energy. He took out his hands

to do to me? Rufus, what are

proximity to her. She stepped back out of instinct as she looked around

You're embarrassing

out of the bedroom