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

suddenly came

got a divorce so you can be with Rufus openly,

Cloris. She walked towards her

is that

to trust Cloris's words more. She then glanced at Cassandra

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

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 that with

that nasty man.

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

the living room. It

I do not have a selfish daughter like

Edith as she

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

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

suddenly recalled that year when she turned 18, Edith cried in

crying so hard while begging her to marry Lionel to benefit

agreed. But, why could't her

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

held Cassandra in

and said to Cassandra, "You're being 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,

like always, but they seemed to be colder

her strength drained out of her. She walked out of

car started. Cassandra was still silent. Her left face started to

mother trust me, just

a disappointed voice which would

others to trust

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

Rufus's mind, 'How could Cloris do that

tell... Yes...Time will tell. And I'll prove

red lanterns on the streets. Everyone was happily preparing

to ruffle her hair with his right hand as if he was comforting a sad child.

What would you like to do during

his voice now. He was trying

"I'm not sure yet..."

her mood at this moment as she was feeling extremely down.