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.

woke from her sleep, it was already

not to have dinner. She was very hungry when she woke up. She could almost hear her stomach grumbling.

door and snuck out. She crept down the stairs and headed to the kitchen, looking for

though, a tall guy showed up right in front

smelled strongly of cigarettes. She blinked,

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

Rufus. It was Lionel.

noticed Cassandra, he smiled maliciously and walked towards her. He just

he asked

presence of the staircase. She

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

pajamas. Are you looking

moonlight from the 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 away from him.

much stronger than she was. Her attempt to escape was feeble. She only ended up falling

in her

do you want from me?" she said

pregnant, Lionel couldn't touch her. Still, he needed

even in her normal night clothes,

looked extremely sexy in

at the startled and anxious woman,

was his wife. Of course, he could

help. She was unable to react up until Lionel threw her onto the bed in

back but she was soon backed into a corner. She had nowhere else to go. Lionel approached. Despite her

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

just tilted his head patronizingly

house. Cassandra, you're

know you have been avoiding me,"

made

asked, resting one of his hands on the wall behind her. He was starting to move closer and closer to her. Then,

pregnancy. The window shook loudly because of the wind. It jolted

instinctively reaching for Lionel, but quickly realized that he was

Lionel must have been gone for

strong intuition. She sat up immediately. She got out of the bed, put on her slippers and walked out of

by one. Then, when she reached Cassandra's room,