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

voice filled their ears. She was calling

Hurry up! They're

confusion like she didn't see them so she just turned around and went back in. Meanwhile, Rufus and Cassandra both

of silence,

business. This is a commercial ball after

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

he went out to smoke? Why couldn't he tell Amanda he

on fire. When the cigarette was burned out, all would be left was smoke and the

just take it like you can't wait to

look on Cassandra's face, Rufus suddenly decided

for me in the Garden Villa. I'll

Rufus left and went back into the hall. He recalled how Amanda had told him that he was going to

shadows. 'Wow, he left just like that, ' Cassandra thought to herself as a bitter smile formed on her

for a cigarette that's

slowly made her way back to

of the stage. He was going to announce the spokesman of the tourism district who would be accompany Amanda. He held the envelope containing the name of the spokesman in his hands—the spokesman was chosen by officials of the government via a voting system. Everyone took a collective breath waiting for

right away. He pulled her aside as he donned

this. I don't want to do this. I don't want to be the

Also, he only ever did things if he wanted to. In that, he had

about to announce it.

taken aback.

can make mayor cancel this! Or

She was writhing as he tightened his grip on her wrist.

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

go and I'll go

Rufus was acting like this when all she wanted was

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

roughly dropped Amanda's hand and scowled at her. As she was rubbing her wrist,

reached

me please and tell the mayor yourself.

expression. She looked absolutely ravishing under this light and with that

Amanda was nothing but a spoiled brat.

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

her gasping for air. She retreated far enough that she was now standing in front of the buffet table. She tried to extend her

a woman walked over and reached out to take the last glass