A Graduation Gift

For Cassandra, Rufus's accusation of her was akin to standing naked in the middle of a freezing winter.

Dylon opened his mouth to explain but Cassandra chimed in right away. She had a huge smile on her face as she reached out and took his arm.

"Well, didn't you disappear after taking a call from some woman? Isn't that the same?"

Cassandra questioned Rufus and looked straight into his eyes boldly. It seemed like she was trying to provoke him but deep inside, she felt nothing but sadness.

Was he implying she couldn't wait to throw herself into another man's arms? Did Rufus see her as a slut?

All of the sweet words Rufus had once whispered in her ear meant nothing to her now.

Dylon was frozen because so many things had happened in the last few days from people assuming he was Lyndsy's boyfriend to being used by Cassandra as a shield.

Rufus narrowed his eyes and looked back into Cassandra's eyes. She was glaring at him.

Cassandra felt her legs weaken but she didn't give in—she managed to power through as she stared Rufus down.

In her heart, Cassandra tried to make herself feel better by cheering herself on, 'No one can defeat you, Cassandra! Don't give in now!'

She felt a lump in her throat. How she wished she could cry it all out but she held her tears back. She raised her chin and glared at Rufus.

"It's not what you think,"

Rufus said and looked at Cassandra, knowing very well she was just being stubborn and defiant. He didn't have much patience left.

While it was true that Amanda had called him, Rufus had refused Amanda and he only left to see Charlie. He simply chose not to tell Cassandra for fear that she might get upset.

He preferred Cassandra to know nothing. As long as she stayed beside him, she would be happy and satisfied, wouldn't she?

"So what's it like? I believe what I see; and what I saw was you went out after you answered the phone,"

Cassandra grimaced. Actions spoke louder than words, right?

"What about what I just saw now? Is there any truth to that?"

Rufus found Cassandra's smile unpleasant. His heart prickled as if a dagger was stabbing it.

"Yes, Rufus, what you just saw is the truth. Since you're lying to me, I don't see any reason why we should still be talking. Now if you'll excuse us, there's something I need to discuss with Dylon."

Then Cassandra took Dylon's arm, looped hers around it and walked past Rufus.

was so surprised that she

humiliate Rufus in public

clenched his fists. The veins on his temples bulged. Jasper was filled with apprehension how Rufus would respond,

Rufus. We should

arrived at the gate, Rufus immediately threw a punch at

sound of

he turned to look at Rufus. The latter still had a cold look on his face. His eyes

How could you embarrass Cassandra in front of so many people! You

frowned. He felt what Rufus said to Cassandra was inappropriate.

wasn't one to be impulsive and rash, but when it came to

Dylon just made him jealous, so he spoke those words without even thinking

too! She could have explained to you but she didn't. Both of you

placed a hand on Rufus's shoulder and patted him gently as a way to comfort

were so much alike. They would never let their pride down to talk to one another

call her name to get her attentiontried since she

as your friends, we hope you can take a good

Cassandra whose mind was obviously somewhere else. She

this, Cassandra. Come on. It's just

said as she filled the glass with more wine. Her face was starting

admire you! You won this

to Cassandra. At that time, she was already curious

for you? I

Dylon just wanted to make this whole

to. We have many other things we need to worry

head and gave a bitter smile.

mentioned it but now it was creeping up on them and causing a strain in their relationship.

together was too short for them to know each that well or Cassandra just didn't know

Cassandra and her past because she had told

Rufus, he would just clam up and change the topic. He never talked about his

years? What happened to him? Who did he meet? What

only problem they had to solve was Cassandra's marriage to Lionel; but now the

about Rufus's past or his secrets. He purposely hid them from her by not talking to

and Dylon exchanged glances, both of them not knowing how to

a cloud of darkness that

and go to A City with the medical team. Let's call

too well about what happened either. He barely ate anything despite being served with so much delicious