A Graduation Gift

Rufus had hardly entered the room when Amanda suddenly threw herself against his chest, too impatient to wait.

"You're finally here, Rufus!" she exclaimed while hugging Rufus tightly, her eyes closed and mouth curled into a happy smile.

Her face was scarlet all over.

"What's wrong with you? Are you okay? Hold on, I'm calling a doctor for you!" Rufus added his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

He managed to grab Amanda's arms and pushed away a bit.

He noticed that there was something wrong with her, but couldn't find out exactly what.

As far as he observed, Amanda was standing right in front of him, alive and kicking, which was weird that she didn't feel very well at the same time.

"Rufus, my heart is hurting…it's broken…" Amanda murmured.

Her eyes started to tear up as she looked at him pleadingly.

Her heart was in pain as if a sword stabbed it, when she saw how Cassandra and Rufus looked at each other's eyes so lovingly moments ago.

"Stop this, Amanda. I love Cassandra and she loves me. We'll get married soon," Rufus patiently explained.

The finality in his voice only added more pain to Amanda's wounded heart. She gasped to catch her breath.

"Why not me, Rufus? I don't see what's so special about her! It should've been me!"

Amanda refused to back down and accept his explanation. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at this point.

"She's so special to me, Amanda. You're a great girl, but I love her now and I just can't see a life without her. Don't you understand?"

Rufus knew that he needed to end this now, and if he showed the slightest note of hesitation, it would only make matters worse. Amanda had to accept the truth, that Rufus had no spare love for any other woman, only Cassandra.

"Rufus, I can't bring myself to listen to you right now. You know I'm ailing right now. Can't you at least pretend to make me feel better?"

Amanda raised her head a little to look into Rufus's eyes. Her mouth forced a sad smile.

"No, Amanda. This ends now. I won't lie to you even if you're sick,"

Rufus responded harshly. Deep in his heart, he was reluctant to admit the truth to her now, since she wasn't all that well; however his mind told him that he'd better end her expectations for her to move forward.

At that same moment, along the corridor, Cassandra was walking towards the room where Rufus and Amanda were in, which was at the end of the hallway. The soft carpet on the floor absorbed the sounds of her footsteps.

She passed one room after another.

After a few minutes, the room was finally in front of her. She could hear a conversation on the other side.

Two people were talking, one was Rufus and the other was apparently Amanda.

hurting me! I hate you!"

she said the words, which was enough

sure you'll find someone better in the

no idea how to calm a girl, especially if she was wailing right in front of him.

together. It's killing me softly. How could you

still as their voice came through the crack of the

Cassandra was standing,

felt desperation flood within her and almost consume

hear was a

together. Nothing can change that. She's my girlfriend and I need to take care of her! That's what a boyfriend does. Since she's with me, I won't let

unruly child to

mean anything at all to

her eyes bloodshot from the tears,

as he thought hard about what to say so

you was the best moments

loves were both happy and regrettable

was bittersweet, accompanying him through the difficult trainings at the

could bring closure to Amanda.

breath outside. What Rufus said stunned her. She retreated a few steps slowly, then turned

that the time he spent with Amanda was the best of his life? Amanda must've been perfect in

identity, talent, and she was even as pretty as a fairy that could only be found

this would be perfect in everyone's eyes as well.

a responsibility that he needed

she couldn't live without him. Cassandra

the hotel exit. Walking out to let the fresh air hit her, Cassandra woke up from her daze

you deserve for the rest of your life, Cassandra?

can give you want you want? Do you even

the crisp and cold

play piano in front

had no idea why she was there or if

touched the keys of the piano. He learned how to play when he and Amanda

her head in a sidelong glance to see how Cassandra would react while she herself was apparently lost in her memories with

them are regretting that they should have fought hard for themselves. I guess that the older you are, the more you miss the youthful days.

was now fully fixated on Cassandra, waiting for her

Cassandra was emotionless. Her eyes were empty

a faint smile that seemed to be isolated

was Rufus's first love and she even taught him how to play the piano. What happened

realized that she never really got to know Rufus, which made her

hearts; no matter how deeply you love later in your life, it

a head-splitting migraine as she took a deep breath. The air was cold and brought fresh air to her lungs. She got

realize that Rufus and I are truly different, and I'll leave him

clear the rumors around her, endure the Tang Family's abuse, and bear all the bad things that had