A Graduation Gift

On a warm, winter afternoon, the soothing sunshine found its way into the patient ward, lighting up the dull, off white walls, filling the space with life. There was Cassandra, lying on her bed, just having prepared a cup of coffee for herself. She looked out as the sun shone in between the gently moving leaves, falling quietly in a daydream with her eyes open.

The hot Yirgacheffe, with its flower-like fragrance, induced warmth to her cold hands.

Quietly, the door opened, snapping her out of her reverie. She saw Edith walking in.

She wore an extravagant, pink fur coat which looked very warm apart from making her look absolutely gorgeous. Cassandra didn't remember her mother to be very fond of such fashionable clothes. Perhaps, it had been too long. She had no clue when and how things had changed so much.

But then again, maybe all women secretly wished to live an opulent and lavish life.

No wonder when her father's company was on the brink of shutting down, she was sacrificed to trade for the wealth of the family.

'Right. Who could deal with poverty after living such a luxurious life?'

She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, wondering what had brought her mother, an infrequent guest, here. Inquisitive, she asked, "Mom, what brings you here?"

Edith wore a grim look. Without reacting, she took off her coat and placed it casually on the couch near the door. Now she walked towards Cassandra, already beginning to scold her harshly, "Have you taken a look at yourself? What sort of nonsensical attitude is this? Can you at least refrain yourself from your outrageous behavior? Have you completely forgotten you represent Qin family? Don't lose your status, you dumb girl!" She threw a folded newspaper in Cassandra's direction as she finished.

The newspaper flung open, and landed on Cassandra's lap.

It was a local newspaper, and the page in front of her had a section called, 'Unreliable Rumors', which targeted at the scandals of the celebrities of G City. It was clear this wasn't a trusted source and only curated news for gossip.

Cassandra read the highlight. It was about the on-going affair between the head of a well-known company and his sister-in-law. Indeed, it was fancy and scandalous.

Soon, her eyes reached the part that mentioned about the wardrobe malfunction that had occurred to Cassandra at one of the parties. Her gown had almost slipped down her body but Rufus had pulled it up in time.

Well, this was true. She couldn't deny it, even though the extent of exaggeration was a little too much.

Sheepishly, she forced a smile, pretending not to be bothered by the news. She crushed the paper into a ball and casually threw it into the bin across the room. Feigning a light tone, she answered, "Mom, do you really believe this fake bullshit? It's clear they write just about anything for more readership."

Unconvinced by her explanation, Edith scoffed, "Yeah, I don't want to believe in it, either. But news like this never rises from thin air. I'm sure some fishy business might have occurred to spark a story. You better mind your behavior, and don't lose the respect your father has earned."

Cassandra's eyes blinked repeatedly, trying to cope with what her mother had just said. Her heart clenched at the mention of her father.

"Did someone say anything in front of dad? Just take it like a pinch of salt and forget about it."

Edith was still pissed. It seemed like she hadn't finished with this just yet.

I have looked at the evaluation of Cloris's internship. The final grade was not A. She cried for so long after she came back. What happened? Why didn't she get the

weeping incessantly with her inconsolable face. Anyone who saw that would feel sorry

struck her heart, even though the heater was

the center of attention in the family, receiving most amount of care and support by their parents. No matter what sort of difficulties their parents were going through,

was being 'ill-treated' in Tang Group. How could Edith stand this!

sister! Shouldn't the human resource department consider that before assessing her?" Edith complained, talking

harsh, filled with anger and discontent.

lifeless well, devoid of all sunshine, all warmth, all hope. The sun that shone

here to see if she

scolded her for the fabricated news, and then blamed her for Cloris's low grade. This was what she cared for and why she'd decided to come

they didn't know Cassandra was Horace Tang's daughter-in-law. But how could she announce something

probably believed it was a good marriage even

no idea about the kind of situation she was in. Lionel had brought Ivy home. If that got unveiled to

she was actually concerned about wasn't herself, but her

know Lionel and you are not married by choice, but, you are his

was smile helplessly at the unreasonable blame. She didn't know how to even begin arguing back.

resource sector which I couldn't influence. I manage the

was far from satisfactory for Edith, who now

sure they would take a

and finally decided to unveil everything to her mother, "Mom… In the company, only very few people are aware of my relationship with Lionel. Most of them don't even know I'm

stopped, looking at her mother's astounded face. Her mouth turned into a wide 'O' shape. It was as if she'd

your true identity, how will you be able to fulfil your role in

the tag 'daughter-in-law of Horace' would bless her with convenience and comfort in workplace. There was no reason she shouldn't

architecture design manager. I am only in charge of construction proposals. As for

kept shaking her

Tang Group. If other companies come to know his

into a

her hand had been untouched for too long and went cold, just

when he did business had always been profit instead of friendship, which eventually caused the divestment of his business partners and consequently

of the Tang group, that had provided enough funding for the business

profit with. Cloris, on the other hand, was the one who he really treated like a daughter.

in a while, Edith would feel sorry for Cassandra but the feeling didn't stay too long; Cloris