A Graduation Gift

Cassandra was humiliated. Tears of shame ran down her cheeks.

"I hate you, Rufus! I hate you so much as I have never hated anyone before!"

Cassandra roared. The throbbing pressure on her body and her temples almost made her collapse.

"Go ahead! Hate me all you want! I don't give a damn how you feel!" he shot back.

The night seemed long and distressing. Finally, Rufus lay asleep soundly beside her; his exhaustion was evident from the venting.

Cassandra's eyes widened at the sight of the man beside her.

He was fast asleep. Despite his unguarded disposition, tension shone visibly on his face.

His eyebrows were furrowed. 'What is he dreaming about?' she thought.

The tie around her wrists was loosened—a product of her unrelenting struggle. Cassandra gingerly moved her hands and freed them bit by bit

until they were finally fully hers again.

She cautiously pushed herself up and was mildly surprised that Rufus did not wake up to this. He must be exhausted, not just physically, but also mentally.

Every cell in her body hurt. Her wrists were bruised very badly.

She was not sure how she could face the tyrant on the bed. She quietly went to the closet to get some clothes.

It was better for her to leave before Rufus woke up.

She pulled on her clothing, turned around and found Rufus staring right at her. She was taken aback.

"Where are you going?"

His icy voice almost made her jump. She began to tremble.

The sound of the closet door woke him up but he waited until she got dressed to cover the bruises on her body.

'Does she think those clothes would be enough to cover the marks I left on her body? Does she really believe she could escape just like that?

are so naive!' he jeered

naked and you're fully dressed but why are you

his voice. Under normal circumstances, Cassandra might even think he was flirting

situation now, however, was far from normal. Cassandra trembled and her legs grew weak.

clearly cold. Why don't you go back to bed and let me

as he scooped Cassandra up and tossed her into the

warm you up since you feel so cold," he said as he pressed his body on hers.

her dignity

over her. It was as if her body and soul were going two opposite

floating in the air, staring blankly at the woman and the

can you see? This is what you get when you offend Rufus. He is nothing like the affectionate and thoughtful gentleman you once knew. Upsetting him would

much to find that the trust she

peeked into the room

to the brightness and warmth of sunlight.

taken a bath and gotten dressed. He was wearing a

stood in his place

anywhere else. If you are not here when I come back,

leave the room and slam the

She retrieved her wrists

is this my punishment for breaking up with you, Rufus?'

but her tears had

unable to move. Neither motivation nor

me go to hell! I won't mind demons skinning and eating me alive! Let me be axed or fried

we both will owe

take over her

work as quickly as possible to

her wrists made him regret his actions a little.

recalled that he bound her hands with his tie. The more she struggled, the more furious he became. She said nothing

voice had turned hoarse and she didn't talk to him

clothes to make sure she would not be able to leave the

he cooled down, he began to reflect on whether he

Why did he take her too seriously? Why did he abuse her like that? He must have hurt her,

thought of how much she feared him that morning horrified him. She could not even

the sky was already dark. She