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.

at the evaluation 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

even though the heater was blowing out warm air.

the family, receiving most amount of care and support by their parents. No matter what sort

in Tang Group. How

consider that before assessing her?" Edith

harsh, filled

devoid of all sunshine, all warmth, all hope. The sun that shone outside didn't matter anymore; the leaves didn't catch her notice; and the cold winter feeling was

she was surprised to see her mother. In fact, she'd gotten excited, thinking she'd come here to see if she was recovering well. She'd felt that rare, warm feeling of being cared for by her own mother after a

first, her mother scolded her for the fabricated news,

was Horace Tang's daughter-in-law.

didn't really understand her pain. They probably believed it was a good marriage even though it was clearly arranged for business reasons.

of situation she was in. Lionel had brought Ivy home. If that got unveiled to the public, it would become a huge joke for both

was actually concerned about wasn't herself, but

married by choice, but, you are his wife, after all. How can you allow them to disrespect you like that by giving your sister only an average

at the unreasonable blame. She didn't know how to even begin

couldn't influence. I manage the architecture department and wasn't in charge of

far from satisfactory for Edith, who now had

talk to them. Coudn't you tell them Cloris is your sister? I'm sure they would take a blood relation in account. And even

for a few seconds, and finally decided to unveil everything to her mother, "Mom… In the company, only very few people

into a wide 'O' shape. It was as if she'd

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

Horace' would bless her with convenience and comfort in workplace. There was no

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

kept shaking her head in disagreement.

be the case. Your dad is going to join the Union of Real Estate led by the Tang Group. If other companies come to know his daughter

into a

coffee in her hand had been untouched for too long and went

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

was Cassandra's marriage with Lionel Tang, the heir of the Tang group, that had provided

on the other hand, was the one who he really treated

stay too long; Cloris had won too much affection from her mother than Cassandra ever could.