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.

you doing this? You're hurting me! I hate you!" Amanda

was wracked with sobs as she said the words, which was enough for

you'll find someone better in

no idea how to calm a girl, especially if

so close together. It's killing me softly. How could you be so evil? What's wrong with loving

stood incredibly still as their voice came through the crack of

with his back to the door, and from where Cassandra was standing,

felt desperation flood within her and

all she could hear was a constant ringing in her ears. Their

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

helpless, unruly child to him

mean anything at all

bloodshot from the tears, waiting with bated breath for

about what to say

you was the best moments I

were both happy

accompanying him through the difficult trainings at the

that what he said could bring closure to Amanda. So whenever she thought of her first love in the future,

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

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

talent, and she was even as pretty as a fairy that

woman like this would be perfect in everyone's eyes

I must be merely just a responsibility that

It was preposterous of him to think that she couldn't live without him.

moved like she was on autopilot until she reached the hotel exit. Walking out to let the fresh air hit her, Cassandra woke up from her daze

deserve for the rest of your life, Cassandra? Can't you see that he's alternating between two women?' she asked herself in her

sure that he can give you want you want? Do

crisp and cold

in front of everyone tonight! What

Michelle standing beside her. She had no idea why she was there or if she was

He learned how to play when he

how Cassandra would react while she herself was apparently lost in her

older you are, the more you miss the youthful days. Being the

Cassandra, waiting for her

emotionless. Her eyes were empty and

faint smile that seemed to be isolated from

she even taught him how to play the piano. What happened between them these days all made

got to know Rufus, which made her feel

on people's hearts; no matter how deeply you

head-splitting migraine as she took a deep breath. The air was cold and brought fresh air to her lungs. She got a grip on her emotions since she didn't want Michelle to see

I'll take your advice. I've come to realize that Rufus and I are truly different, and

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