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.

her sleep, it was already

to have dinner. She was

the stairs and headed to the kitchen, looking for food.

stairs, though, a tall guy showed up right

smelled strongly of cigarettes. She blinked, surprised.

out his features in the dark right away. Cassandra squinted and

Rufus. It was Lionel.

smiled maliciously and walked towards her.

he asked flirtatiously with his husky

back, forgetting the presence of the staircase. She

of his feet on the staircase, and bent down, removing the space in between them. Cassandra felt her

Are you looking

window illuminated parts of Lionel's face. He was just as handsome as Rufus. Unlike Rufus, though, Lionel made Cassandra feel sick and disgusted. She wanted so badly to run

Lionel pressed down on her shoulders. He was much stronger than she was. Her attempt to escape was feeble. She

anger shone through the fire in her eyes. Her

want from me?"

pregnant, Lionel couldn't touch her. Still,

normal night clothes,

in

stared at the startled and anxious

wife. Of course, he could do

her into the air. Cassandra was too surprised to shout for help. She was unable

nowhere else to go. Lionel approached. Despite her anxiety, she did her best not to show

be mad at you. Being angry isn't good for her and the baby," she

his head patronizingly and

not dare to do anything here in the Tang family house. Cassandra, you're my wife. I'm surprised that you are so

know you have been avoiding me,"

only made

is pregnant. You can't fall behind. What if… I offer you the opportunity to get pregnant tonight?" Lionel asked, resting one of his hands on the wall behind her. He was starting to move closer and closer to her. Then, his face was

for Ivy. It was a difficult pregnancy. The window shook loudly because of the wind. It jolted the pregnant

Lionel, but quickly realized

was cool. Lionel must have been gone

out of the bed, put on her slippers and

rooms were at the end of the corridor. She checked them one by one.