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.

of Cloris's internship. The final grade was not A. She

could easily picture her sister weeping incessantly with her inconsolable face. Anyone who saw that would feel sorry for her 'agonizing

her heart, even though the heater

and had coddled her too much over the years. Ever since Cassandra could remember, Cloris had been 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, when she played cute, all their worries would get

in Tang Group. How could Edith stand

human resource department consider that before assessing her?" Edith complained, talking from

harsh, filled with anger and discontent.

feel even colder. She felt her heart sinking into a lifeless well, devoid of all sunshine, all warmth, all hope. The sun

see if she was

'never'. Unexpectedly, first, her mother scolded her for the fabricated news, and then

Tang's daughter-in-law. But how could she announce something like

really understand her pain. They probably believed it was a good marriage

Ivy home. If that got unveiled to the public, it would become a huge joke for both families.

concerned about wasn't herself, but her parents

choice, but, you are his wife, after all. How can

blame. She didn't know how to even begin arguing

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

who now had to stand up to

to them. Coudn't you tell them Cloris is your sister? I'm sure they would take a

hesitated for a few seconds, 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

face. Her mouth turned into a

If people don't know your true identity, how will you be able to fulfil your role in

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

Helplessly, she replied, "Mom, I am the architecture design manager. I am only in

her

by the Tang Group. If other companies come to know his daughter is married to Horace Tang's son, he will gain more business

fell into a

coffee in her hand had been untouched for too long and went cold, just as how her heart felt.

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

heir of the Tang group, that had provided

just a tool which he could reap profit with. Cloris, on the other hand, was the one who he really treated like

feel sorry for Cassandra but the feeling didn't stay too long; Cloris had won too