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...

hurry up and come

Amanda's high-pitched voice filled their ears. She

up! They're about

she didn't see them so she just turned around and went

of silence, Cassandra

is a

things wouldn't end up this way but it wasn't like there was anything she could do.

couldn't he tell Amanda he

all would be left was smoke and the cigarette butt. However, smoke

stupid! He just hands you a lighter and you just take it like you can't wait to

Cassandra's face, Rufus suddenly decided against saying what he was going to say.

for me in the Garden Villa.

He recalled how Amanda had told him that he was going

just watching Rufus until he disappeared in the shadows. 'Wow, he

stay for a cigarette

slowly

envelope containing the name

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

to do this. I don't

in the spotlight. Also, he only ever did things if he wanted to. In

can't! They're already about to

said, taken

make mayor cancel this! Or I'll go on that stage and you know what I

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

hands. She couldn't believe it when Rufus tried to hurt her hand but she knew that now was not the time

and I'll go talk to

Amanda was hurt. She couldn't believe Rufus was acting like this when

on Rufus's face made Amanda shrink in fear. She knew his temper and if she went on any longer, he

at her. As she was rubbing

plan—she reached out and grabbed Rufus's

with me please and tell the mayor yourself.

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

however, Amanda was nothing but a

with Amanda dragging Rufus's arm. As they glided across the hall, she wore a beautiful

in front of the buffet table. She tried to extend her hand in the pretense of grabbing a glass of

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