A Graduation Gift

The desk shuddered as a phone's ringtone for an incoming text message rang out. Cassandra, who was buried in her work, stared at the phone for a split-second, sighed, and then picked it up in a fluid motion. It was Stella.

She unlocked it with her fingerprint and read the message, "Hi, honey. It's a bright and lovely day. I've got a date with yoga!"

The text drew a faint smile from Cassandra. Stella was such an optimistic and not to mention, energetic person. Cassandra felt drawn to her, like she was this huge magnet. She just couldn't control herself with Stella, and wanted to approach her and befriend her.

Having such a cheery friend was like bathing under the sun on warm winter afternoon. It was comfortable as hell.

Cassandra glanced at the desk clock and saw that it was time to get off work, but she was still double checking the design layouts meticulously. She wanted to make sure all her outputs were topnotch quality when she turned them over to the clients.

After a couple of hours, she was done. She felt relief wash over her as she yawned and stretched her tired bones.

When she was about to leave, her phone rang. Cassandra's eyes lit up. She answered the call and heard a familiar baritone from the other end of the line.

"I know you haven't eaten yet since you're probably on overtime. Meet me at the parking lot. I'll treat you to dinner."

It was Rufus, as Cassandra had expected. He was the only senior executive who would work overtime in the Tang Group.

"It's really late. I just want to go home and get some rest."

She was excited, but she thought it was better to politely refuse.

Rufus seemed to ignore this. He only sounded more determined.

"I will see you in a couple of minutes."

Bossy as always, this was Rufus. He just went on ahead and hung up before Cassandra could say anything.

The continuous beep from the other end of the line startled Cassandra. She put down the phone, caught in a dilemma whether to meet Rufus or not. Then her stomach grumbled like a dog about to bite.

'Calm down, Cassandra. It's just two people eating food.' Cassandra repeated to herself, biting her lip.

A few minutes later, in the Tang Group parking complex, Cassandra saw Rufus beckoning to her. He was sitting comfortable in the driver's seat of a matte black Rolls-Royce.

"Well, where are we going to get some food?"

She slid into the car as she asked Rufus, her cheeks flushed.

Rufus just smiled at her and started the engine. The car roared to life.

"You'll know when we get there," he replied in a mysterious tone.

If it had the approval of Rufus, the restaurant had to be grand and beautiful, and the dishes had to be world-class quality. Neither of these two elements were dispensable when it came to dining for Rufus.

given that these restaurants had

took a gander at the place. It was grand as

the fact that they were the only two guests at the restaurant. Rufus booked

a candlelight dinner. The piano, the wine, and most importantly, the devilishly handsome man

was all too surreal.

her eyes started to well up. She wanted to forget about Lionel, Ivy, and everything else. She was too exhausted from

Cassandra looked a bit upset. Rufus could tell from her melancholic eyes. His

is investing in a new construction project in the vicinity. You might catch some

and she beamed at Rufus. She had been worried

could assent, Rufus had already started the car and sped forward. The strong

was smiling. Sometimes, Cassandra and Rufus seemed to understand each other so perfectly well that

a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled down her window and

with tourists. Neon lights reflected on every surface and the crowd was bustling with commerce and leisure.

was wearing a business suit amongst the crowd who had a more casual style.

disappointment disappeared. Seeing

concern. But he listened

much younger with just the

squinted for a more examining look at Rufus. He was so handsome, like a prince who came straight out of a fairy tale. No longer stood out though, he could

two of them burst into laughter, not a care

ride, Cassandra's eyes seemed to light up. Rufus noticed and

lined up afterward. A couple of minutes later, it was their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next to Rufus and buckled up. She also held the

always hold my hand if you feel scared,"

She was taken aback and a chill went down her spine. She looked at Rufus

ride started and the large boat started swinging through the air. The pendulum motions brought a weightless feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher. They

turned to Rufus to see how he was doing. To her surprise, he was completely fine, as if he didn't ride the ship at all. She was impressed by how tough he was. But she teased, "Stop pretending to be cool. You

of situations. The ride was a breeze for him. Even if he rode the most thrilling ride in

continued further into the park. They talked about the design and construction dynamics of the other rides. When they passed

up, young lady! Try your luck! Five rounds in the gun, and it's free. Let's see

with a number and you got the prize. The smaller the circle you hit, the better prize you

a stuffed bear which was as big as a person. She

want the

amusement park raised Cassandra's spirits. It was a rare sight to see her

no avail, the circle was just too small. It didn't even look like

gun. He held

jaw dropped, as well

it. He shot number 10! With the

shot the circle that was as