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

decision itself was enough to

stop it! I am saying it for

move out, I will tear your company down

to Cassandra in such a harsh manner. He didn't stay a single second on

after I said no, she still

composure soon, looking at Rufus walking away

is to say no. Will you

for your ambiguous attitude, why would I ever choose to leave our home? This place, after all, has experienced so much of my longing and expectations,

of was that his obstinate

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

Everything just inspired an exaggerated response from

some

boss today. He mustered up some courage and

cause of his agitation had nothing to do with tiredness or

eyes closed, rubbing his forehead. After a while, he finally made up his mind.

going back

of the company and drove back

stepping into the lobby of Tang family house, Rufus sensed

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

his head to see Rufus standing and without