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."

tone in check. She could tell Rufus was angry and did not want to provoke him

decision itself was enough to stimulate him to such an

I am saying it for the last time. I don't

your company down right now!

in such a harsh manner. He didn't stay a single second on that rooftop

Even after I said no, she still challenged

regained her composure soon,

you know is to say no.

choose to leave our home? This place,

Rufus wasn't aware of was that his obstinate reaction had strengthened

vented his anger at work the entire day. He sent back several submissions and

an exaggerated response from

take some

his boss today. He mustered up some courage and suggested him to leave

the cause of his agitation had nothing to do with tiredness or sleeplessness. Rufus couldn't get the thought

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

got up and told Victor, "I'm going back to

out of the company

of Tang family house, Rufus sensed something awkward.

the couch. The TV was

and without any greetings, got up and headed