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?

so naive!' he

naked and you're fully dressed but why are you still

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

from normal. Cassandra trembled and her legs grew weak. With all her strength, she worked hard to keep it together.

back to bed and

up and tossed

feel so cold," he said

dignity until

crept over her. It was as if her body and soul were

were floating in the air, staring blankly at 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 grant

trust she once had for him was all a lie.

of sunlight peeked into the room and fell on

the brightness and warmth

bath and gotten dressed. He

in his place showed no

here. You are not allowed to go anywhere else. If you are not here when I

he turned around to leave the room and slam the door behind

door slammed shut. She retrieved her wrists from the

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

wanted to cry but her

frozen, unable to move. Neither motivation nor strength was available to

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

on! Hold on, Cassandra! Then we both will owe nothing to

over her the moment Rufus left and

quite reserved that day. He dealt with his work as quickly as possible to make sure he was home the soonest that he

seeing the bruises on her wrists made him regret his actions a

struggled,

turned hoarse and she didn't talk

to make sure she would not be able to

down, he began to reflect on

of anger. Why did he take her too seriously? Why did he abuse her like that? He must have hurt her, not just physically, but emotionally as well.

of how much she

the sky was already dark. She slept