A Graduation Gift

Other women in the same situation would've taken advantage of a wealthy man and manipulated him into spending large amounts of money. Cassandra never used his money and kept turning him down when he wanted to buy her expensive gifts. She even became adamant in splitting the bills and grocery costs when they shopped at the supermarket.

No one but Rufus knew that Cassandra was self-contained, sensitive, stubborn and persevering.

Amanda felt her heart fragmented. She regretted asking Rufus such questions. The last question he asked her stayed unanswered.

Feeling humiliated and categorized as one of the rest, Amanda saw what Rufus spoke about Cassandra. She was stunningly beautiful and stood on a level of her own. She looked flawless, as he had made her out to be. How could she compete with this?

"Rufus, can you stay with me tonight, please? My dad won't be here until tomorrow. I know I'll be afraid to be alone in the ward," Amanda asked, while batting her eyelashes.

Amanda's pleading in a weak, croaky voice made him feel protective towards her.

Rufus looked at Amanda, giving off a barely audible sigh.

If she didn't force him hysterically back in the day, he would think she was still as glamorous as before.

Rufus hesitated for a moment, before accepting her so called harmless request. 'Men are so gullible, ' Amanda thought.

"Get some rest. I'm here with you."

His mannerism relaxed Amanda, and she felt safe and content by his side. She wanted to spend the little time they had together, but the effects of the medication had become contrary to her wishes. As she fought the sleep, drowsiness stole her moment with the one man she longed for.

Amanda buried her face in the hospital blanket, closed her eyes, and soon breathed deeply and evenly.

She held tightly onto Rufus's hand, and was reluctant to let go as the sleep took hold of her.

fatherly as an older

longed to be with Cassandra. Just lying next to her was enough. He had missed her and was looking forward to his

Night Group, taking such good care of him. Helping out his daughter should be the least Rufus could

Amanda's bed, watching over her

people's needs had begun. Rufus looked at his watch; it was already 6 AM. Charlie

Amanda slept soundly. He knew

Rufus shut the door

that she didn't spend the time she wanted with him. She had to think of other ways to hold his attention.

sea; no cloud

She was in love with Rufus, so she couldn't have feelings for anyone else, even when she

as friends, Rufus managed to move on easily,

he just walk away from the past and be madly in love with another woman?' Amanda

her resentment towards Cassandra. 'Why do you have to be so perfect?' she thought

to the Garden Villa. Cassandra was nowhere to be found.

slept in was cold to the touch. His heart had a sinking feeling. He wondered where

villa. Rufus searched every room

little anxious about the disappearance of Cassandra. His heart pounded. 'Where does she go? Surely she would have let me know if she had to leave. Hope she's okay, ' he thought. Just as he was about to loose all hope, he found her bag with her cell phone and keys in

sat on the edge, her feet dangling in mid-air. His

a

lonely back. Her loneliness was

to see her, but felt