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.

yourself to do

looked directly into Rufus's eyes.

you don't want to

his eyebrows in confusion when he saw Cassandra close the

I want to marry you, but

and then slowly opened them. She bit her lower lip as she looked at the tall man in front of her.

we want. We need to ease into each

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 same time.

family of my own. But as of now, we really don't have a sense

wanted to say these things to Rufus but she never was able

hold his temper at bay. He was about to lose himself, but

so bad to understand Cassandra because

nor Cassandra felt any security.

didn't really meet, and fall in love like any other normal couple. He had his own revenge on the side. He always treaded carefully as if he was on thin ice. Cassandra sacrficed everything.

she had

more? You have your own goals to achieve and I have the Qin Group to manage. We can talk, chat and even date when we're free. It's way better than living together and slowly

her thick eyelashes cast their own

You think us living

Cassandra could feel his

with him was a torture

was willing to be his woman. But judging from what she just said, she didn't want this life at all. She had been suffering from the

I'm moving out for

today. They were all rumors

was when she decided to leave the Garden Villa and

even further, to the brink of collapse. What was worse, they couldn't even enjoy their private life because paparazzi would be at every corner stalking them. Cassandra

if that's what

the floor in his rage. The ring fell out and bounced towards the

terrified Cassandra. She trembled in fear as Rufus shifted his anger

a clear conscience. I have always treated you well and cared about you. If you really feel that you want to

look at Cassandra's face, drained of

that her persistence and pride were all for show. He wished that she

However…

"Rufus, you're ridiculous,"

icily. She then closed her luggage promptly and stood

hand. He could feel her clothes touch his. It

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