A Graduation Gift

If men were likened to animals, Rufus would definitely be a cheetah.

A cheetah was a master of stealth. It would hide in the jungle and wait silently. The moment it spoted its prey, it would attack and deliver a fatal blow.

Ivy could feel Rufus's coldness as they dined together. She did not dare to even look at him. Instead, she conversed with Jill as an attempt to ease her anxiety.

"Auntie, the world famous dress designer, Michelle Ling, is going to hold a charity auction in G City next week. There is this one dress that everybody seems to be talking about. Rumors say that it was worn by a princess in Europe before it was donated to Ling. The auction sounds fun. Would you like to go?" Ivy asked.

Jill smiled. Her eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Really?" she said. "I'd love to, but events like those are usually invite-only. I don't know Ling very well..." she said sadly.

Ivy gave Jill a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I have an invite! You can be my plus-one!" Ivy replied.

Jill knew that Ivy rubbed elbows with many influential people in the fashion and entertainment industry. Because of this, Jill got to attend fancy events and galas as well whenever Ivy would take her.

After getting married to Horace, Jill spent most of her time playing mahjong, or in the beauty salon talking to her friends about other rich women. It eventually started to bore her. When Ivy moved in, a new world opened up for her. Jill started to become exposed to the world of fashion. It almost made her feel young again.

Luxury brands, limited edition clothes, famous designers, fashion icons…Jill became obsessed with these things.

But then, something occurred to her.

"I haven't been to a charity auction before. Is there anything I should prepare myself for?" she asked, worried.

Before Ivy could answer, Horace furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.

"Stay at home! You're not going anywhere! Ivy, you're pregnant. Why would you want to go to those places? There are lots of people there. What if you get hurt?!" he said.

Jill's face turned gloomy immediately. She looked forward to the auction. But because Horace didn't allow her to go, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

Ivy was embarrassed and didn't know how to react. Lionel tried to lighten up the mood, smiling, he said, "That's fine, father. I'll go with them. I'll take care of them. Nothing bad is gonna happen, I promise."

Hearing Lionel, Horace shook his head as he begrudgingly gave his consent. He didn't object anymore.

Rufus, who remained silent the whole time, seemed to realize something.

A charity auction? No wonder he couldn't see Michelle these days. She must be busy with the auction.

from her sleep, it was

having to see Ivy, Cassandra decided not to have dinner. She was

She crept down the stairs and headed to the kitchen, looking

though, a tall guy showed up right in front of

of cigarettes. She

could not make out his features in the dark right away.

It was

and

night?" he asked flirtatiously with

of the staircase. She lost her balance and slumped down on the

down, removing the space in between them. Cassandra felt her

at your cute pajamas. Are you looking for

Rufus. Unlike Rufus, though, Lionel made Cassandra feel sick and disgusted. She wanted so badly to run away from him.

but Lionel pressed down on her shoulders. He was much stronger than she was. Her attempt to escape was feeble. She only ended up falling to

Her immense anger shone through the fire in her eyes.

want from me?" she

couldn't touch her. Still, he needed to satisfy his

night clothes, turned him on.

in her silk

stared at the startled and anxious

his wife. Of course, he could

air. Cassandra was too surprised to shout for help. She was unable to react up until Lionel threw her onto the bed in her bedroom.

into a corner. She had nowhere else to

be mad at you. Being angry isn't good for her and

tilted his head patronizingly

family house. Cassandra, you're my wife. I'm surprised that you are so concerned about what

you have been avoiding me,"

only made his desire grow stronger.

pregnant tonight?" Lionel asked, resting one of his hands on the wall behind her. He was starting to move

was difficult for Ivy. It was a difficult pregnancy. The window shook loudly because of

for Lionel, but quickly realized that he was not

have been gone for a

She got out of the bed, put on her slippers and

checked them one by one. Then, when she reached Cassandra's room, Ivy pressed her ear against the