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."

kept her tone in check. She could tell Rufus was angry and

she understood her decision itself was enough to stimulate him to such an

it for the last time. I don't

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

harsh manner. He didn't stay a

damned woman! Even after I said no, she

second but regained her composure soon, looking at Rufus walking away like that, smiling wryly.

no. Will you ever reflect on

weren't for your ambiguous attitude, why would I ever choose to leave our home? This place, after all, has experienced so much of my longing

aware of was that his obstinate reaction had

office, Rufus vented his anger at work the entire day. He sent

inspired an exaggerated response from him because of the anger he felt toward

take some rest? You seem a

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

tiredness or sleeplessness. Rufus couldn't get the thought of Cassandra leaving out of

his forehead. After a while, he finally made up his

told Victor, "I'm going back to Tang family. Call me

company and drove back

the lobby of Tang family house, Rufus

on the couch. The TV was

his head to see Rufus standing and without