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.

so surprised that she

humiliate Rufus

was filled with apprehension how Rufus would respond, so

Rufus. We should

they arrived at

flinched at the sound of Rufus

Rufus. The latter still had a cold look on his face.

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

felt what Rufus

and rash, but when it came

jealous, so he spoke

was stubborn too! She could have explained to you

shoulder and patted him gently as a way

to talk to one another when they were fighting. It would take them a long time before they would understand

head down. Lyndsy had to call her name to get her

tomorrow for the rescue, so I'd like to propose a toast to him. Dylon, as your friends, we hope you can take a good care of

downed the glass and turned to check Cassandra whose mind was obviously somewhere else. She didn't know what to do with this lifeless

Cassandra. Come on. It's just a

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

what? I admire you! You won this round, you're

to win the dress at the auction as a gift to Cassandra. At that time, she was already curious about Cassandra

it for you? I can go talk to him. It's

how unanimated Cassandra was, Dylon just wanted to make this whole thing

We have many other things we need to worry

her head and gave a bitter

trust. Neither Cassandra nor Rufus ever mentioned it but now it was creeping up on them and causing a

too short for them to know each

about Cassandra and her past because she

and change the topic. He

he meet? What was his relationship with Amanda? Cassandra knew

marriage to Lionel; but now

or his secrets. He purposely hid them from her

exchanged glances, both of them not knowing how to deal with or comfort

seemingly surrounded by a cloud of darkness

go to A City with

too well about what happened either. He barely