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 almost dropped

Rufus in public like

how Rufus would respond, so he led Rufus

Rufus. We should

Jasper until they were outside the club. When they arrived

at the sound of

a cold look on his face. His eyes were gleaming as if he was planning something that no one else knew about.

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

He felt what Rufus said

rash, but when it came to

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

Cassandra was stubborn too! She could have explained to you

a hand on Rufus's shoulder and patted him

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

down. Lyndsy had to call her name

to propose a toast to him. Dylon, as your friends, we hope you

somewhere else. She didn't know what to do with this lifeless and downhearted Cassandra.

Come on. It's just a fight, nothing

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

you know what? I admire you! You won this round,

a gift to Cassandra. At that time, she was already curious about Cassandra especially with what Rufus did. And

it for you? I can go talk to him. It's nothing serious

just wanted to make

you don't have to. We have many other things we need

head and gave a bitter

between them was trust. Neither Cassandra nor Rufus ever mentioned it but

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

all about Cassandra and her past because she

up and change

he been doing overseas all these years? What happened to him? Who did he meet? What was his relationship with Amanda? Cassandra knew none of the answers to

to Lionel; but now the problem was settled, their trust issues started

about Rufus's past or his secrets. He purposely hid them from her by not talking to her! What a joke! That was absolutely unacceptable!

them not knowing how to deal with or comfort Cassandra.

surrounded by a cloud of

get up early tomorrow and go to A City with the medical team. Let's call it

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