A Graduation Gift

Rufus held Cassandra in his arms as they slowly danced to the music that had long stopped in the garden.

Cassandra didn't want anyone to see them so she tried to wriggle herself free but Rufus wouldn't budge.

"Why? Don't you want me to hold you?"

Rufus raised his eyebrows. He didn't want to let her go because having her in his arms was the best feeling in the world.

"No, I just don't want anyone to see us like this,"

Cassandra said in a low voice with a hint of shyness—something Rufus immediately picked up on as the look on his face softened.

This wasn't news to Rufus—he knew exactly what Cassandra was worried about. She was worried about what people might think of her if they found out that she was seeing Rufus, Lionel's big brother, just days after divorcing Lionel. And Rufus knew all about this from the very start.

Nothing could stand in the way of their love because for Rufus, all that mattered was that he was with her.

Cassandra loved him dearly but she was careful for fear that she might lose him.

How Cassandra wished she could spend every waking moment with Rufus but she had to hold herself back. Even when she'd miss him, she would just send a sly text message to him because she didn't want to disturb him.

She did love him but she was treading on thin ice; she was so careful to not say too much or do too much. This only made Rufus's heart ache.

He took the diamond ring with him everywhere he went. That night, the moon looked especially beautiful. Rufus, as he took in this fine weather and fine music, ran a palm over his pocket as he tried to take the ring out to surprise her.

He wanted to tell her that nothing else mattered—not the people that talked about them or what not—as long as they were together. If they were together, they could surpass anything.

"Cassandra, I want to tell you something,"

Rufus said, clearing his throat and looking at Cassandra softly.

"Yes? What is it?"

Cassandra avoided his gaze.

The repulsive odor of the nearby made people feel dizzy. The sound of those insects buzzing from the hall filled the air.

It was like they were the only two people in the world. To Rufus and Cassandra, no one else was around and it was just the two of them. Cassandra could feel her heart beat quickening in her chest.

But...

and come

the sound of Amanda's high-pitched voice filled their

yet? Hurry up! They're about

she just turned around and went back in.

a few moments of silence, Cassandra finally

business. This is a

grimace. If she had her way, things wouldn't end up this way but it wasn't like there

out to smoke? Why couldn't he tell Amanda he was going out

could be likened to a cigarette—burning herself until she's on fire. When the cigarette was burned out, all would be left was smoke and the cigarette butt. However, smoke

and you just take it like you can't wait to set everything on fire!" she

Cassandra's face, Rufus suddenly decided against saying what he was

the Garden

and went back into the hall. He recalled how Amanda had told him that

Rufus until he disappeared in the shadows. 'Wow, he left just like that, ' Cassandra thought to herself as a

a cigarette

her long dress as she slowly made her way back

the tourism district who would be accompany Amanda. He held the envelope containing the name of the spokesman in his hands—the spokesman was

away. He pulled

want to do this. I don't want to be the spokesman,"

gritted teeth. Rufus, unlike Lionel, didn't like to be in the spotlight. Also, he only ever did things if he wanted to.

can't! They're already about to announce it. It's already

said, taken aback.

you can. You're the one that started this whole thing. You most certainly can make mayor cancel this! Or I'll go on that stage

wrist. Amanda changed her expression. She was writhing as

pianist so her biggest assets were her two hands. She couldn't believe it when Rufus tried to hurt her hand but she knew that now was not

go and I'll go talk to

like this when all she

fear. She knew his temper and if she went on any longer, he would break her hand in just a snap.

and scowled at her. As she was rubbing her wrist, Amanda spotted Cassandra in

plan—she reached out and grabbed

me please and tell the mayor yourself. It's the

with that bright smile of hers. Her voice was sweet like an angel.

was nothing

back to Cassandra so she could only see Amanda's face. They were walking towards the mayor with Amanda dragging Rufus's arm. As they glided across the hall, she wore a beautiful smile and they looked gorgeous as

She retreated far enough that she was now standing in front of the buffet

the last glass