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.

grade was not A. She cried for so

inconsolable face.

though the heater was

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,

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

the human resource department consider that before assessing her?"

voice was harsh, filled with anger and

coming off her mother made Cassandra feel even colder. She felt her heart sinking into a lifeless well, devoid of all sunshine, all warmth, all hope. The sun that shone outside didn't matter anymore; the leaves didn't catch her

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

turned out, 'rare' was an understatement. It was more like 'never'. Unexpectedly, first, her mother 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 and see her.

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

They probably believed it was a good marriage even

Ivy home.

she was actually concerned about wasn't herself, but

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

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

human resource sector which I couldn't influence. I manage the architecture department and wasn't in charge of

for Edith, who now had to stand up to show her elevated discontent.

tell them Cloris is your sister? I'm sure they would take a blood relation in account. And even if you don't have a lot of

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

at her mother's astounded face. Her mouth turned into a wide 'O' shape. It

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

tag 'daughter-in-law of Horace' would bless her with convenience and

the architecture design manager. I

shaking her

the case. Your dad is going to join the Union of Real Estate led by the Tang Group.

fell into a daze.

been untouched for too long and went

when he did business had always been profit instead of friendship, which eventually caused

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

Cloris, on the other

didn't stay too long; Cloris had