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?

eyes. But, she didn't

sneer suddenly came from behind

a divorce so you can

towards her and stared at Cassandra coldly.

is

more. She then glanced at Cassandra and Rufus with skeptical

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

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 my own eyes when I was

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

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

It happened

bitch! Get out of this house! I do not have a

Edith as she shivered in anger.

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

slapped by her own mother. The last time was when Edith found out that Cassandra acted on

when she turned 18, Edith cried in front of her.

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

mother, so she agreed. But, why could't her mother

Cloris's mouth and didn't even allow her to say her piece.

out and held Cassandra in his arms to protect

but they take all of it for granted. There's no point in explaining yourself, let's go." Even though

but they seemed to be colder than normal.

felt like all her strength drained out of her. She walked out of

left face started to swell up and

won't my mother trust me,

finally spoke with a disappointed voice which

trust you. Time will tell,"

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

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

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

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

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

would you like to do during the Spring Festival?

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

"I'm not sure yet..."

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