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?

she didn't not know how to properly explain

came from behind her.

that 'concentrate on father's company' excuse. You got a divorce so

She walked towards her

is that

then glanced at Cassandra and

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

we're all stupid? I know all your dirty little secrets. You've had feelings for Rufus

when she was almost raped by that nasty man. She knew that it was Cassandra who paid

mouth to try to explain herself. But before any word came out of her mouth, Edith raised her hand and slapped

room. It happened so fast that Rufus was

this house! I do not have a selfish

she shivered in

hand landed. And as she felt the warm, stinging pain, she felt

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 to sell

she turned 18, Edith cried

crying so hard while begging her to marry Lionel to benefit the Qin

But, why could't

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

reached out and held Cassandra in

stupid. You've sacrificed so much for them but they take all of it for granted. There's no point in explaining yourself, let's go." Even though he was talking to Cassandra, the words were for Edith.

dark like always, but they seemed to be

strength drained out of her. She walked out of the house like a puppet being

face started to swell up and

trust me, just for

finally spoke with a

trust you. Time will

trying to comfort her. He felt sorry for her and his heart ached upon

of that, what Cloris did raised doubts in Rufus's mind,

will tell. And I'll prove

preparing for the upcoming Spring

right through her and reached out to ruffle her hair with his right hand as if he was comforting

it anymore. What would you like to do during the Spring

his voice now. He was trying to cheer up the frustrated Cassandra.

"I'm not sure yet..."

he might, Rufus failed to brighten her mood at this moment as she was feeling extremely