A Graduation Gift

Charlie avoided telling Amanda the ugly truth. She was his dear daughter. He would do anything to avoid hurting her. Rufus's plan was ruthless. As her father, it was his sole purpose to make sure Amanda was happy.

"Amanda, listen." Charlie stepped forward before continuing,"I don't think Horace is as kind and gentle as he makes out to be..."

Charlie let his mouth open, wanting to continue but could not find the words. Amanda was clever. She knew exactly what Charlie was trying to say.

She knew that Horace had his own agenda. Amanda had always been the more competitive daughter-in-law as compared to Cassandra. Her higher social standing and reputation could help the Tang family enlarge their network and access better resources. Horace was indeed a clever businessman. He took advantage of that fact.

"Father, you don't need to worry. Rufus will be the one living with me and I believe he'll protect me."

Amanda beamed at Charlie.

Charlie's hardended heart gradually softened. His daughter looked so innocent. He decided right there and then to withhold the truth.

If things got bad between Rufus and Horace, Charlie would spirit Amanda away from the Tang family altogether.

Meanwhile, Rufus left the Tang family and went back to the Garden Villa, only to find Cassandra packing her bags. This infuriated Rufus.

"Cassandra, didn't you hear what I said this morning?"

Cassandra ignored him, neatly packing her clothes.

"Rufus, I'm not breaking up with you. I just need to move out. We're not married. This?" Cassandra gestured at the whole room,"This is wrong. I have no reason to be staying with you. Your reputation is taking hits."

Cassandra kept on folding her clothes as she explained.

She didn't stop, so Rufus went to her side and grabbed her wrist to catch her attention.

"I'm telling you. Don't test my patience. I don't care what people say about me. If you think you don't have any reason to live with me under the same roof, then I'll give you one. Let's get married."

Rufus reached into his pocket and took out the gorgeous diamond ring he always had with him.

"Just slip it on. Let's head to the office and get registered!"

Cassandra's mouth was agape, visibly dumbstruck.

The diamond was almost the size of a small rock. It rested on a platinum setting and almost blinded her because of its sheen. It looked priceless. However, Cassandra didn't feel excited at the moment. She found the proposal foolish. It wasn't even done in a proper way. It felt rushed, forced even. Rufus only did this because he had to stop her from leaving. Cassandra felt her eyes welling up. She felt so sorry for herself.

She closed the ring box gently, and handed it back to Rufus.

to force yourself to do

took a deep breath and looked directly into Rufus's

you don't want to

in confusion when he saw Cassandra close the

I want to marry you,

She bit her lower lip as she looked at the tall man in

need to ease

of phobia about marriage. It's not just about the two of us anymore. It's about two families. I need to clear my head and not to ruin our relationship at the

really don't have a sense of security, right? Neither of us is confident of this

say these things to Rufus but she never was able to

and fists, trying his best to hold his temper at bay. He was about to

to understand Cassandra because deep down, he

throughout, neither he nor Cassandra felt

love like any other normal couple. He had his own revenge on the side. He always treaded carefully as if he was on

she had never said anything about it and just

other more? You have your own goals to achieve and

thick eyelashes cast their own

think us living together is

his voice. Cassandra could feel his immense

turned out that living with him was a torture

the Garden Villa by her own choice. He thought she would wait for him and was willing to be his woman. But judging from what she just said, she didn't want this life at all. She

wrong way, Rufus. I'm moving out for

the news headlines she saw today. They were all rumors about her.

was when she decided to leave the Garden Villa and give each

to the brink of collapse. What was worse, they couldn't even enjoy their private life

that's what you really

in his rage. The ring

fear as Rufus shifted his anger into sorrow and grief.

think of me now. But as for me, I have a clear conscience. I have always treated you well and cared

head a little to look at Cassandra's face, drained of all color. His heart was broken.

Cassandra would see her mistake and apologize. He wished that she could admit that her persistence and pride were all for show. He wished that she was willing to stay in the

However…

"Rufus, you're ridiculous,"

icily. She then closed her luggage promptly and

hand. He could feel her clothes touch his. It was the only physical contact they

they first met in Rome. She was wasted at the time. He remembered her serious no-nonsense attitude when they met again at work. He remembered her incredible strength, her