A Graduation Gift

Rufus looked at Cassandra affectionately. Her vulnerability and innocence, her complete submission to him as her only pillar support made his heart melt. Rufus lowered his head to kiss her but was stopped by her hand.

"From now on, you will not drink with any man without my consent. You should also tell me before going anywhere. If you break the rules, you will see the consequence." Rufus frowned as he warned Cassandra and pretended to be angry.

Cassandra became all the more petrified to hear Rufus speak in such a stern voice. After she pulled the blanket tightly out of natural reflex, she looked up at Rufus.

He glanced over her body as she pulled the blanket on herself and then fixed his gaze on her face. His eyes softened at her innocent look.

"You are my only love. Don't suspect anything else,"

Rufus said in a sultry voice. Cassandra looked into his eyes as his words echoed in her heart. There was so much of sincerity and resolve in his eyes! Cassandra suddenly felt so light that her whole body got relaxed. The tension on her face gave way to a relaxed and contented look.

That was all she needed—to be the one and only for each other for ever and ever.

Initially, she was hesitant to bring up the topic of Rufus's relationship with Amanda. But after his confession to her, she did not need any more reassurance. It was the first time that Rufus made his promise with so much of determination. Cassandra pushed her urge to dig more about Amanda to the back of her mind and relaxed in his arms.

It had been so difficult for her to come out of the troublesome marriage. But from today onwards, she was resolved to live her own life without any unwanted interference from anyone.

And Rufus… She could trust him with her eyes closed! At every step of the way, it was Rufus who gave her a helping hand and removed obstacles from her path.

Even if not for the help he had given her, she would still be indebted to him for the unicorn he gave her when she helplessly stood in front of the machine. Needless to say, it was Rufus who helped her with loads of opportunities when she first started her career as an architectural designer.

He was the one who healed her in her past and continued to support her even now. What else could she ask for?

Cassandra closed her eyes, buried her head into the warmth of his arms and indulged in his tenderness. At this very moment, she felt absolutely complete.

However, miles away, at the same time, there was a storm raging in the Tang household.

"Father, I am planning to marry Ivy. I have made up my mind this time!" Lionel affirmed.

He had mustered all his courage to confront his father. Horace had been a very strict father and Lionel could never speak or do anything against his wish throughout his life. Even this time, as he spoke to Horace, he could feel his knees tremble. Yet, he was resolute this time.

miscarriage. Had he not been so outrageous in forcing Cassandra into a physical relationship, which was accidentally spotted by Ivy,

face. He sounded rather disgruntled to hear Lionel's appeal. "Why are you in such a hurry? Don't

tone, his face turning grim and a stern frown settling on his

time to make Ivy a part of the Tang family. And moreover, Lionel was not the one to take the call in

Tang Group, Cassandra was the daughter of Vernon Qin, the owner of Qin Group. Back then, Qin Group was still one of the leading real estate companies in the industry that earned much fame and recognition in G City. Plus, Cassandra herself was a befitting match for the Tang family. She was also a thriving young talent who made full use of her time in her college. Besides, she was doing very well as the Architectural Manager in

as far as

from a nameless university. The only thing she was good at was to splurge money on expressive dresses for herself. What could she contribute to

of success in future and Rufus lived up to his expectations. However, Lionel was just the opposite. Horace was seriously worried about him all the time. He not only was short-sighted but lacked management and leadership skills as well. As much as Horace wanted Lionel to take charge of the Tang Group in the future, he couldn't be assured, unless Lionel had a capable wife to

far from Horace's expectations. So he decided to take his time to consider

whole day daydreaming on the hospital bed. I am so worried about her that she will not be able to recover unless I give

chair anxiously to persuade his father. His face was red and his eyes blazing clearly showing his desperation to convince his father to give a nod for him to

with

and his eyes glaring at his

his father again, Jill intervened to stop the argument between Horace

and go to work. Don't be late. Later I will cook some soup for

Jill hushed Lionel, "Don't argue with your father. Now that Ivy has lost her baby, you have to be extra

Rufus more important than Lionel. Had it not been for Rufus, Lionel would have taken over his father's role in the company naturally. Ever since this illegitimate son came along, Jill had been noticing each and every move of Rufus in the family all this while. He had been increasingly gaining Horace's trust. And unfortunately, this baby which could have been a perfect bargain chip

looked at the worried face of his mother and realized that he had indeed been too impetuous and agitated in front of his father just now. However, this feeling of regret for his argument with his father was soon replaced by his

at least try to understand my feeling for Ivy? We have been in a relationship for seven years, seven long years! I admit that she is not the only woman that I've been with. But she

asked him to

said in a persuasive tone, "Go to work now. I will

stubbornness of Lionel irritated Jill. However, she could never help but coddle her son no matter what the circumstances were. And even this time there was no exception. She was displeased with Lionel venting his anger on her, but she still pacified

have indeed been through much hardship. I can

the issue with Horace. The quarrel between the father and the son was certainly something she

it now. Let's settle it in some time later!" Horace maintained

in the mood to discuss this issue

as she realized it was too tough a wall for her to break through. Then