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.

that these restaurants had exorbitant prices.

took a gander at the place. It was

place wasn't what surprised her the most, it was the fact that they were the only two guests at the restaurant. Rufus booked the whole joint! Mellow piano music echoed through the high ceiling. It did good to ease Cassandra's

feel like she was in a vivid dream. Rufus and her were having a candlelight dinner. The piano, the wine, and

all

Ivy, and everything else. She was too exhausted from

could tell from her melancholic eyes. His brows furrowed and looked at

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

she beamed at Rufus. She had been worried about one particular design lately and some much-needed

already started the car and sped forward. The strong V12

a glance at Rufus and saw that he was smiling. Sometimes, Cassandra and Rufus seemed to understand each other so

his car in front of a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled down her window and stuck her head out for a

Neon lights reflected on every surface and the crowd was bustling with commerce and leisure. Children and teenagers were screaming

took Cassandra's hand and they went in. He stood out since he was wearing a business suit amongst the crowd who had a

all of Cassandra's sadness and disappointment disappeared. Seeing

was startled by Cassandra's concern. But he listened

go! You look so much younger with just the shirt

a more examining look at Rufus. He was so handsome, like a prince who came straight out of a fairy tale. No

the two of them burst into laughter, not a care about how loud

passed by the pirate ship ride, Cassandra's eyes seemed to light

afterward. A couple of minutes later, it was their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next to Rufus and

worry. You can always hold my hand if you feel scared,"

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

feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher. They were all clearly

over, Cassandra was wobbly and tried her best to keep her balance. She 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,

this. He had been trained to withstand those kinds of situations. The ride was a breeze for him. Even if he rode the most thrilling ride in the park, he wouldn't even

further into the park. They talked about the design and construction dynamics of the other rides. When they passed by the various game stalls, an enthusiastic vendor handed her a BB

Five rounds in

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

bear which was as big as a person. She realized that she needed to

the

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

avail, the

moment, Rufus, who was silently watching Cassandra's poor attempts, stepped forward and took the gun. He held the gun in an expert grip, aimed and pulled the trigger in a fluid motion.

dropped, as well as the

shot number 10! With

the circle that was