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?

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

suddenly came from

company' excuse. You got a divorce so you can be with Rufus openly, am

walked towards her

is

more. She then glanced at Cassandra and Rufus with skeptical eyes.

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

all your dirty little secrets. You've had feelings for Rufus way before the divorce. I saw that with my own eyes when I

laughed menacingly. She remembered the night when she was almost raped by that nasty man. She knew that it was Cassandra who paid him to set

came out of her mouth, Edith raised her hand and slapped Cassandra across

the living room. It happened so fast that Rufus was not able to

I do not have a selfish daughter

as she shivered in

placed her hand on her cheek, right where Edith's hand landed. And as she felt the warm, stinging pain,

last time was when

that year when she turned 18, Edith cried

crying so hard while begging her to marry Lionel to

felt pity for her mother, so she agreed. But, why

immediately accepted the twisted words that came out of Cloris's mouth and didn't even allow her to say her

Cassandra in

of it

still dark like always, but they seemed to be

She walked out of the house like a puppet

was still silent. Her left face started to swell

won't my mother trust me,

the long silence, Cassandra finally spoke with a

need others to trust

and his heart ached upon seeing how her own family treated her.

what Cloris did raised doubts in Rufus's mind, 'How could Cloris do that to her

will tell. And

her head to look outside of the car, Cassandra noticed a lot of red lanterns on the streets. Everyone was happily preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival. She planned to spend it with her family, but

hair with his right hand as if he was

about it anymore. What would you like to

He was trying to cheer

"I'm not sure yet..."

failed to brighten her mood at this moment as she was