A Graduation Gift

Dry leaves rustled as the wind cast a gentle blow. Cassandra was anxious at the thought that she would be alone with Lionel. Excusing herself, she went to the backyard and took her time to think things over while walking.

The light in the backyard was dimmer compared to the one in the mansion which was overly lighted. The backyard was bleak.

Cassandra could hear the laughter made by Horace, Jill, and Cloris from inside. They were having a great time.

The peals of laughter were warm like sunshine in the winter, melting the snow. But the warmth was not enough to melt Cassandra's freezing emotions.

Cassandra knew that she wasn't as likable as Cloris, and Jill didn't like her at all. Cloris made a good impression on Jill and she liked her company. She felt happy for her sister knowing that she felt at home with the Tang family.

The chill of the early evening crept through Cassandra's senses making her nose itchy.

Out of nowhere, someone put a coat over her shoulders. Without looking back she could tell who it was by the familiar scent. Then Rufus said with his husky voice, "Are you trying to make others feel sorry for you by getting sick?"

Rufus' bark was worse than his bite. He was showing his concern for Cassandra in a sarcastic way.

"Besides, Lionel is still expecting you to have his child. Are you sure you can do that when you're so weak and sickly?"

Usually, Cassandra would talk back. But tonight was different. She didn't have the right mood.

Lionel was acting so possessive these past few days. His actions made Cassandra realize that she could never run away from him. Needless to say, Rufus, who knew well how complicated their relationship was but still persistently did things to worsen the situation.

Cassandra felt helpless and frustrated at the thought of her fate.

She was forced to marry Lionel, and the Qin family had kept on giving her the cold shoulder. That was fine with her, however, she got herself used to loneliness and ill-treatment. What scared her the most was other people showing pity on her. It made her feel belittled and vulnerable. And Rufus entered her life. He showed concerns and affections for her in different ways. She got used to the feeling of being cared for and secured, which might be the reason for her attachment to Rufus.

She would have been much happier if it was Rufus whom she married.

'Wait, stop thinking about Rufus!' Cassandra felt annoyed that she kept on imagining something she couldn't have.

'Cassandra, you should stop dreaming. It's not right, ' She reminded herself.

Then taking a deep breath and removing the coat Rufus had offered, she said coldly, "If you know that I'll have Lionel's child, then you should stay away from me."

angered him in an instant. Seeing her pale and innocent face,

would be impossible. You can never have his child. You spent

just smirked at his response. What she said next was cruel, "What made you think that was my first time?

even take initiative to kiss him. And now, the same sexy mouth was saying something that shattered his heart. What was even meaner was the expression on her face as she said those words - effortless, innocent and child-like. It was not a joke for her.

again with you. I won't cross the boundary

boundary?'' So that was Cassandra's thoughts of their relationship. Rufus was

I guess you won't say such silly

steps and moved closer to

just stood still and waited for his next move. He was so dominant that

into his arms, someone called out from the mansion.

at Cassandra, standing by the window of the living

wouldn't allow Rufus to cloud her thoughts this time. With one swift stride, she moved away from him, avoiding his irresistible

needed to stop herself from indulging to Rufus's gentleness. She needed to

around and walked into the brightly lit mansion without looking back.

she did made her look strong and resilient

lowered his head and touched the coat Cassandra had given back. She still wore the same fragrance as

family. She just nodded

the Qin family had dinner in the past, everyone was quiet. Today was different

was telling them funny stories of her school, making Horace and Jill

on staring at Cassandra, who

Cassandra invited Cloris to come with her to her bedroom

I'm fine. You can go with

she yawned, pretending to be sleepy. Something unusual was

her. But Lionel had already stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. He

couldn't escape from Lionel's arms. She was taken forcibly and was almost dragged to the bedroom.

His eyes were gloomy, the kind of gloomy that usually scared people around him.

in his arms as they walked into the bedroom

opened the door and pushed