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?

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

came

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

towards her and stared at Cassandra coldly.

is that

more. She then glanced at Cassandra and Rufus with

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

"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.

was almost raped by that nasty man. She knew that it was Cassandra who paid him to set her

before any word came out of her

room. It happened so fast that Rufus was not able

house! I

she shivered

And as she felt the warm, stinging

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

that year when she turned 18, Edith cried in front

begging her to marry Lionel to benefit

But, why could't her mother ever understand how

immediately accepted the twisted words that came out of Cloris's

and held Cassandra in

head 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

eyes were still dark like always, but they seemed to

her. She walked out of the house

started. Cassandra was still silent. Her left face

trust me,

with a disappointed voice which would make anyone

trust you.

felt sorry for her and his heart ached upon

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

will tell. And I'll

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,

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

to do during the Spring Festival? I'll be with

a nice beat in his voice now. He

"I'm not sure yet..."

as he might, Rufus failed to brighten her mood at