A Graduation Gift

Cassandra was shocked by Cloris's act. Her intent was becoming too obvious through her reckless actions.

"Are you alright, Cloris?"

At this moment, Edith saw that Cloris was growing angry so she immediately went to her and started babbling anxiously. She was afraid that her daughter might grow angry due to not feeling well.

Cassandra stopped where she was, looking down to see the remote control. Her eyes turned and saw Rufus. A sudden awkward feeling filled her.

Later, Edith walked back to the living room with her frowning brows.

"What happened to her? Why did her face turn pale all of a sudden? She seemed alright a minute ago."

Not able to answer the question, Cassandra simply smiled to hide the truth she knew. She then tried to change the topic and said, "Mother, there is something important that I need to tell you. I've already divorced Lionel."

She said trying to downplay the gravity of her statement. It didn't work as Edith still cried out loudly.

"What did you say? Why didn't you come to me earlier? When did this happen?"

Edit asked as her eyes grew wide. This revelation was just too much for her to accept. Wasn't this such a rash decision?

"We got the divorce certificates just a few days ago. We don't love each other and neither of us was happy in the marriage. With this, I can now concentrate on father's company."

Cassandra knew that her mother wouldn't easily accept her decision, so she tried to explain it carefully.

"How could you, Cassandra! Why didn't you tell us anything before making such decision?"

A frown formed on Edith's eyebrows. She was surprised and very unhappy to hear this news.

The marriage between Lionel and Cassandra was the idea from Vernon and her. Suddenly her daughter got a divorce without even informing her. She felt like her role and identity as a mother was being challenged.

"Mother, I'm an adult now. I know what I'm doing,"

said Cassandra as she looked directly into her mother's eyes.

While trying to find words to tell Cassandra, Edith simply looked at her. Suddenly, she remembered something about Vernon.

Many years ago, when Vernon gave up a secure and well-paying job to start his own business, he had the same firm and serious expression as well.

She realized that her elder daughter was so much like her husband.

All of a sudden, Edith noticed Rufus standing beside Cassandra. With the divorce, she was no longer a member of the Tang family, so why was he with her?

the confusion in her mother's eyes. But, she didn't not know how to properly explain the

sneer suddenly came

that 'concentrate on father's company' excuse. You got a divorce so you can be with Rufus openly, am

was Cloris. She walked towards her and

is... is that

Cloris's words more. She then glanced

"Mother, that's not true..."

tried to explain her side. However, Cloris continued teasing, "You don't have to pretend anymore! Do you think we're all stupid? I know all your dirty little secrets. You've had feelings for Rufus way before the divorce. I saw

by that nasty man. She

But before any word came out of her mouth, Edith raised her hand and slapped Cassandra across

of the slap echoed in the living room. It happened so fast that Rufus was not able

I do not have a selfish daughter like

Edith as she shivered

hand landed. And as she felt the

was not the first time she got slapped by her own mother. The last time was when Edith found out that Cassandra acted on her own

year when she turned

so hard while begging her to marry Lionel to

for her mother, so she agreed. But, why

the twisted words that came out of Cloris's mouth and didn't even

held Cassandra in his arms

being stupid. You've sacrificed so much for them but they take all of it for

still dark like always, but they seemed to be colder than

of her. She walked out of the house like a

Cassandra was still silent. Her left face started to swell up and

mother trust me, just for

finally spoke with a disappointed voice which would make anyone feel

trust you. Time will tell,"

said, trying to comfort her. He felt sorry for her and his heart ached upon seeing how her own family treated her.

what Cloris did raised doubts in Rufus's mind, 'How

Yes...Time will tell. And

of red lanterns on the streets. Everyone was happily preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival. She planned to spend it with her

her hair with his right hand

you like to do during the Spring Festival? I'll be

a nice beat in his voice now. He was trying to cheer up

"I'm not sure yet..."

might, Rufus failed to brighten her mood at this