A Graduation Gift

It took a few moments for Michelle to register Cassandra's words. 'What did she mean by that? Hadn't Rufus told her about his real identity yet? How is this possible?' wondered Michelle. 'Why wouldn't he tell Cassandra how prosperous and rich he actually is?

Or could it be that Cassandra wants to conceal her knowledge from me?' she guessed confusedly.

Michelle wasn't sure which one was the truth. Anyway, she shrugged off these thoughts and came back to the matter. She was determined to end Rufus and Cassandra's relationship once and for all.

"I don't know if you are pretending or not, Cassandra. To be honest, I don't care. I know that you are a lovely girl and you deserve love. In fact, I believe everyone deserves love. But as for me, my biggest concern is Rufus's reputation and his future. So I can't allow the two of you to be together anymore. I know this must be hard for you. But try to accept this and leave him alone,"

Michelle warned harshly. As she declared this, she stared into Cassandra's eyes with a piercing look. There was a note of finality in her tone and Cassandra felt it too. 'I can't let her sabotage Rufus's reputation. His career is his number one priority. No matter how much he loves her, I can't watch his career perish, ' thought Michelle with a sigh. She felt relieved after speaking out her heart.

Deep down, Michelle knew that Cassandra was a compassionate and kind girl. She had nothing against her nor did she dislike her. But rumors were insidious and cruel hence she concluded that they were by no means good for both of their reputations. So when it came to this, Michelle wanted to ensure Rufus's reputation was untarnished. Her concern for Rufus was understandable. And she had no regrets for blurting out her true feelings.

"Michelle, I respect you very much. But what you want me to do is something I am not capable of doing. I want you to respect the decision Rufus and I have taken. We are together because we love each other dearly. And as a couple, we have been through a lot of hardships already. And I am fully aware that this journey won't be smooth. I am predicting many obstacles in the coming future. In spite of this, I am not willing to give up on us. No matter what happens, we will fight the hurdles in life together. I really hope that we can get our families' blessing,"

word she spoke came straight from her heart. Even though life was hard, she couldn't fathom a life without Rufus. With the help of their love, they had reached a long way. 'How can

towards Cassandra. But Michelle's reason for being against their relationship was completely different. She was afraid that their association would endanger Rufus's reputation. Hence Michelle's aversion was not towards Cassandra instead it was her identity and previous relationship with Rufus's brother that irked her. And Cassandra knew this well. She was waiting for the

for a moment. She studied Cassandra with a grim face. Her expression was unreadable to Cassandra who seemed

left her nonplussed. It turned out Cassandra didn't want the money. Also her

Love is not enough to get through this. I am pretty sure you will soon find yourself in a

wasn't impressed with Cassandra's conviction. 'She is too innocent and naive to understand the misery this decision will bring her.

his well-being. But will you please try standing in our shoes for a moment? That's the only way for you to

earnestness just by looking at her. She really anticipated for Michelle to take her side. But somehow Michelle just couldn't do it. As

most importantly, I don't want to understand you. In a nutshell, I will not approve your relationship. So please give up trying to persuade me. This is my final decision.

she had made herself pretty clear. Now it was up to Cassandra whether she

the corners of her lips lifted and gave out a bitter smile.

from anyone. In short, I have