A Graduation Gift

In spite of the situation being so chaotic, Cassandra couldn't turn a blind eye to Rufus's charm. She stood spellbound as she observed the dust stick to his carved face.

Soon she realized this was not the right time or the right place to be captivated by Rufus's look. In order to peel her eyes off from his handsomeness, Cassandra turned around and began to follow the rescue team to the next disaster site. On the other hand, Rufus was swiftly unloading the boxes of water and instant noddles from the car.

This experience meant a great deal to Cassandra and Rufus. They were beyond happy to be working together for a good cause. Somehow doing it together seemed like taking their relationship to the next level. It was like they had been through thick and thin together.

Rufus squinted and looked at another building not far away from him. Cassandra was analyzing the situation along with the rescue team in front of the building. She seemed very engaged and was pointing her fingers to the building while talking to other rescue team members.

"Cassandra, don't you dare think of leaving me again!"

Rufus murmured to himself.

When he first heard that Cassandra was gone, he was beyond worried. Panic had engulfed Rufus from every corner. Victor informed him that Cassandra had packed her luggage and left the Garden Villa. He was also informed where she was headed. His first reaction was fury which was soon replaced by worry. Rufus realized he couldn't stand a second without knowing if Cassandra was safe.

Horace had been still resting in the hospital ward. It was his responsibility to care for him until Lionel would show up there. He repressed his urge to find Cassandra for the time being.

As soon as his duty was over, Rufus dashed for the A City. On his way, he noticed the road was filled with vehicles carrying the patients. It wasn't easy for him to reach his destination. On top of that, he could see the casualty rates had amplified. The radio in his car confirmed all his worries. He realized how bad the situation actually was and sped his car to get there faster. Sweating with anxiety, he prayed for the well-being of the woman he was in love with.

'Why is she so damn reckless! Before bringing the staffs to A City, why didn't she consider talking to me?' his mind uttered with frustration. Inside his mind, Rufus swore he would teach her a lesson once he found her.

But what was buried behind his anger was anguish. In truth he had no idea if she was alive. In order to get this thought out of his mind, he was covering it up with anger. He had been using anger as his defense mechanism.

When he noticed that her car was parked near the city hall, Rufus thought he had finally found her. But on further inquiry he was told that she had indeed gone to A City.

This piece of information heightened his concern. For a split second he had wished that Cassandra wouldn't be inside the city.

With a heavy heart, he made his way to the disaster area. It was done very quickly as he had no difficulty getting inside. Without wasting any time, Rufus inquired about Cassandra but nobody seemed to have the details that could enlighten him. As he was passing by a school playground, a voice reverberated from the radio and made his heart beat faster. 'She was here!' he thought with resolution. She was looking for her friend Maggie's uncle. This was a pure stroke of luck and he internally celebrated.

He expectantly stood in front of the school gate and waited for Cassandra's arrival. Once he saw her, his heart finally relaxed. Instead of addressing her right away, he decided to follow her.

As he tailed behind Cassandra, Rufus overheard her conversation with Dylon. When he heard the whole story, he was overcome with mixed emotions.

He wondered how the woman he loved so dearly could have been so brash. 'Why did she insist on accompanying the rescue team? Is she not aware how dangerous it is?

What about the people she cares about? If something happened to her, what would happen to them?' Rufus wondered. All the while he was thinking about himself. It seemed impossible to envision a life without Cassandra. This made him realize the depth of his love.

Once again he was furious at Cassandra for putting her life at risk without considering his emotions. He was prepared to scream the hell out of her, but when he opened his mouth, he only said, "I will go with her."

Perhaps this was what he truly felt. He was willing to support her no matter what she did.

end of the day, all that mattered to him was that they were

City, Rufus followed Cassandra and kept an eye out for her. He was helping others not far away from Cassandra, but his

he wasn't willing to take any

working, night finally came. Everyone looked exhausted and Cassandra was no

in the disaster area. Wet towel was her only

"Are you tired?"

he could. Right now they were

he had to be completely honest, he felt rather proud of her. Yet a part of him worried about her safety.

but it's alright because I'm very happy. The rescue team succeeded in saving five

Rufus's hands from her waist, she turned around and hugged him. As she leaned on his chest, she could listen to his heartbeat. In this tired state, this

and energy. Moreover, she felt the closest to him in this position. At the moment, this place was in chaos but she was disconnected from it all. To her it seemed

you need to stop caring about others all the time. Your health matters too! Look at you, you

she was resilient and

of the Tang Group. And you spent your whole day unloading water and instant noodles!" Cassandra

relief supplies, his attire caught the attention of everyone. In their eyes, he didn't look like an ordinary volunteer. In fact, to the onlookers he came across as a celebrity

please! That is not a big deal. Look around, almost every worker here is a man. If anything, you are the odd one here. I, on

his hand on Cassandra's back and pulled

"Rufus…"

to escape

her tightly and lowered his head. Carefully, he placed a soft kiss on Cassandra's lips, ignoring the

her from afar the whole day. He did this because he didn't want to interrupt her. But now he couldn't resist himself from doing

he would come into the disaster area to do these menial tasks. Moreover, she couldn't detect any trace of fatigue on his face. Cassandra had no knowledge

than the others. While everyone was asleep, he would still be running in

his face and Rufus was brought back to reality. For a moment he

face and he looked into her

and I…we're just friends. I want you to

had been at the back of her mind for weeks. But she finally mustered up the courage to say it out loud. Their relationship was going smoothly and she wanted to wipe

and I are

was about to explain his relationship with Amanda. However, he was interrupted.

us and be quick. We have been informed that a woman and her child are trapped

of the rescue team exclaimed and waited for Cassandra.

let go of Rufus's face and ran to

"I am coming!"

in her hoarse voice. Watching her frail condition, Rufus was tempted to hold her back. But he

Tears were falling down his face and he stammered while speaking, "Plea...please save my wife and son. The...they are trapped. I just returned fro...from another