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 this. You

breath and looked directly into Rufus's eyes. She looked passive and emotionless.

saying you don't want

confusion when he saw Cassandra close the box. An uncomfortable

want to marry you, but not

and then slowly opened them. She bit her lower lip as she looked at

need to give each other some space so we can understand what we want. We need to ease into each other's life. When the time

a messy marriage. You knew first hand how bad that relationship was. It was a failed marriage. I don't want that to happen again. I've developed this kind of phobia about marriage. It's not just about the two of us anymore. It's about two families.

I long for a happy family of my own. But as of now, we really don't have a sense of security, right? Neither of us

these things to Rufus but she never was able to muster

at bay. He was about to lose himself, but

understand Cassandra because deep down,

he nor Cassandra felt any

own revenge on the side. He always treaded carefully as if he was on thin ice.

she had never said anything about it and just

each other more? You have your own goals to achieve and I have the Qin Group to manage. We can

bright light, her thick eyelashes cast their own shadows

You think us living together is destroying

Cassandra could feel his immense sorrow.

turned out that living with him was a torture for

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

out for

saw today. They

want Rufus to face these unfounded rumors. That was when she decided to leave

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

Just leave, if that's

in his rage. The ring fell out and

in fear as Rufus

don't 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 to leave. We can break up.

look at Cassandra's face,

that she could admit that her persistence and pride were all for show.

However…

"Rufus, you're ridiculous,"

She then closed her luggage promptly and stood up, ready to

grab her hand. He could feel her clothes

snap, all the memories flooded him. He recalled her enthusiasm when they first met in Rome. She was wasted at the time. He remembered