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?

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

suddenly came from behind her.

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

walked towards her and stared at Cassandra coldly.

is... is

always tended to trust Cloris's words more. She then glanced

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

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

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

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

slap echoed in the living room. It happened so fast

of this house! I

Edith as she shivered

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

the first time she got slapped by her own mother. The last time was when Edith found out that

when she turned 18, Edith cried in

hard while begging her to marry Lionel

so she agreed. But, why could't her

came out of Cloris's

in his arms to

they take all of it for granted. There's no

still dark like always, but

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

Her left face started to swell up and

my mother trust me, just

spoke with a disappointed voice which would make anyone feel

don't need others to trust you. Time will tell,"

said, trying to comfort her. He felt sorry for her and his heart

Rufus's mind, 'How could Cloris do that to her

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

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 now that seemed

seemed to see right through her and reached out to ruffle her hair with his right hand

to do during the Spring Festival? I'll

nice beat in his voice now. He was trying

"I'm not sure yet..."

brighten her mood at this moment as she