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.

was given that these restaurants had

a gander at the place. It was grand

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 growing anxiety.

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

all

Ivy, and everything

finished dinner, Cassandra looked a bit upset. Rufus could tell from her melancholic eyes. His brows furrowed and looked at

it out? Our company is

been worried about one particular design lately

forward.

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

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

into the night, the park was still packed with tourists. Neon lights reflected on every surface and the crowd was bustling with commerce and

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 anyway

go! You look so much younger with just the shirt

straight out of a fairy tale. No longer stood out though, he could fit right in on the

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

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

of minutes later, it was their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next to Rufus and buckled up. She also held the handrail tightly, nervous

always hold my hand if you

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

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

breeze for him. Even if he rode the most thrilling ride

dynamics of the other rides. When they passed

luck! Five rounds in the gun, and it's free. Let's see

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

topshelf, and saw a stuffed bear which was as big as a person. She realized that she

want the

park raised Cassandra's spirits. It was a rare sight to see her behave like a little girl, all

and aimed at her target. She tried four times to no avail, the circle was just too small. It didn't even look like anybody could

stepped forward and took the gun. He held the gun in an

well

10!

that was as small as