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...

up and come in, it's

sound of Amanda's high-pitched voice filled their ears. She was calling

yet? Hurry up! They're about to

turned around and went back in. Meanwhile, Rufus and Cassandra both froze due

moments of silence, Cassandra

ahead, that's business. This is

had her way, things wouldn't end up

he went out to smoke? Why couldn't he tell Amanda he was going out to see me?' Cassandra asked herself in

fire. When the cigarette was burned out, all would be left was smoke and the cigarette butt. However, smoke disappeared and cigarette butts got thrown into

hands you a lighter and you just take it like

face, Rufus suddenly decided against

Garden

told him that he was going to be the spokesman but he was

the shadows. 'Wow, he left just like that, ' Cassandra

a cigarette that's

as she slowly made her way back to the hall.

be accompany Amanda. He held the envelope containing the name

he saw Amanda, Rufus went to her right away. He pulled

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

said through gritted teeth. Rufus, unlike Lionel, didn't like to be in the spotlight. Also, he only ever did things if he wanted to. In that, he had no

to announce it.

taken

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

exerted himself as he held her wrist. Amanda changed her expression. She was writhing as he tightened his grip

it when Rufus tried to hurt her hand but she

I'll go

She couldn't believe Rufus was acting like this when all she wanted was the best

knew his temper and if she went on any longer, he would

scowled at her. As she was rubbing her wrist, Amanda

plan—she reached out

me please and tell the mayor yourself.

this light and with that bright smile of hers. Her voice was

Cassandra, however, Amanda was nothing

They were walking towards the mayor with Amanda dragging Rufus's arm. As they glided across the hall, she wore a beautiful smile

in front of the buffet table. She tried to extend her hand in the

over and reached out to take the last glass of water. She lifted it to her