A Graduation Gift

Her eyes turned doleful. His shadow seemed to exist around her always, but never his person. There was nothing she could do but missing him. The constant nagging feeling of his absence had been killing her.

In the past, she could bear with it, as it was countered by her immense love for him. She wanted to give him a home where he could enjoy the warmth of a family when he got back.

But she realized this love couldn't stand after she had been disappointed for so many times.

Every time she felt closer to him, every time she felt she loved him more, Amanda would appear out of thin air and take him away.

Now, she truly had enough of this misery which seemed to run on a loop.

Rufus's hands rested loosely besides his thighs, but his fists tightened so much that his hands turned pale. The emotions were so hard for him to process; he ground his knuckles together, resisting the urge to scream at her or say anything out of line.

His lips were pursed, body clenched, as he tried to summon all his patience. In his mind, he told himself, 'Cassandra only feels insecure. I can't blame her for trying to escape me because she doesn't feel safe anymore.'

"Cassandra, I promised to never let you live without a home again. I am a man of my words. Stop thinking about moving out. I promise to come back here more often."

The muscles on his face were clenched too, which made his voice sound stiff and hoarse.

How could he let Cassandra go? He had almost ruined his relationship with Tang family for her, which could hinder his future prospects drastically. Yet, he'd done it anyway.

And it took her one night to make this sudden decision. How could he not feel angry?

"It's okay, Rufus. We are both adults. I really don't mind the distance as long as we have each other in our hearts. Whenever you're free, we can spend time together. Just think of our meetings as dates."

chose her words carefully and kept her tone in check. She could tell Rufus was

was enough to

for the last time. I don't allow this!

you move out, I will tear your company down right now! Don't even think

such a harsh manner. He didn't stay a single second on that rooftop after that and stomped downstairs angrily.

after I said no,

but regained her composure soon, looking at Rufus walking away like

know is to say no. Will you ever reflect on

place, after

his obstinate reaction had strengthened her determination

at work the entire day. He sent back several

really a great deal. Everything just inspired an exaggerated response from him because

you need to take some rest? You seem a little

noticed there was something wrong with his boss today. He mustered up some

had nothing to do with tiredness or sleeplessness. Rufus

slouched in his chair, eyes closed, rubbing his forehead. After

"I'm going back to Tang family. Call

the company and drove back to Tang family.

lobby of Tang family house,

on the couch. The TV was on but the look on his face seemed to

standing and without any greetings, got up and