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.

don't have to force yourself to do

directly into Rufus's

you're saying you don't want

he saw Cassandra close the box. An uncomfortable feeling flashed in his eyes.

marry you, but not

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

we want. We need to ease into each other's life. When

I don't want that to happen again. I've developed this kind of phobia about

my own. But as of now, we really don't have a sense of security, right? Neither of us is confident of this

rang true. She had always wanted to say these things

his jaw and fists, trying his best to hold his temper at

wanted so bad to understand Cassandra because

nor

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

with Cassandra, and she had never said

need to cool off. Let's take things more slowly. Isn't it better if we had more time to get to know each other more? You have your own goals to

her eyes. Under the bright light, her thick eyelashes cast their own shadows and fluttered

living together is destroying

his voice. Cassandra could feel his immense

with him

she would wait for him and was willing to be his woman. But judging from what she

way, Rufus. I'm moving out for your own good. I'm

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

rumors. That was when she decided to leave the Garden Villa and give each other some breathing room.

could have deteriorated even further, to the brink of collapse. What was worse, they couldn't even enjoy their private

Just leave, if that's

the floor in his rage. The ring fell

in fear as

really know what you think of me now. But as for me, I have a clear conscience. I have always treated you well and cared about you. If you really feel that you want

Cassandra's face, drained of all

He wished that she could admit that her persistence and pride were all for

However…

"Rufus, you're ridiculous,"

her luggage promptly

hand. He could feel her clothes touch his. It was the only physical contact they had before she went out the door.

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