A Graduation Gift

Ever since Rufus heard about Michelle's accident, he had been sure it had nothing to do with Cassandra. Yet he decided it was the best to confront her. He longed to hear it from her. He presumed she would put his mind to a rest.

But unfortunately, Cassandra's response disappointed him.

'What could be the reason? A row between the two women? I can't believe Cassandra would push Michelle over a small brawl. From what I know, she isn't the aggressive type, ' Rufus's mind tried to reason. No, Rufus shook his head vehemently in denial. He couldn't believe Cassandra would do such a thing.

"Rufus, please don't look at me like that," Cassandra pleaded. She detected an aloofness in his face.

She was already exhausted from the questioning. Right now, she was bereft of any strength. She couldn't watch Rufus's cold face. A sinking feeling took over her. It seemed like her throat and nose were brimming with water.

"Then how do you expect me to look at you? Do you want me to look at you with gentle and loving eyes? No Cassandra, I can't do it anymore. You're a darn good actress. You deceived me so easily!"

Anger made Rufus lose his ability to think calmly. He glared at Cassandra furiously. Cassandra could see the fire ignited in him.

At this moment, he felt completely lost. 'Cassandra, how I wish would tell me that she has nothing to do with this accident. How I wish she would confess that it was Cloris who caused all the trouble. Why can't she come clean and tell me she was just a helpless bystander!'

Rufus was outraged with Cassandra's behavior. He loathed it when she put others over herself. He simply couldn't fathom why she offered to take responsibility for someone else's mistake.

Before coming here, Rufus had checked the surveillance video. But the camera was placed far away from the scene, hence he couldn't make out what was really happening. It only gave him a vague idea.

From what he saw, he deduced that Cloris had a physical fight with Michelle. Their distance was widened after a while and they stood apart from each other. But Cloris wasn't done, she continued to yell at Michelle. While this happened, Michelle was still standing next to the handrail. Then all of a sudden, the atmosphere changed.

Cassandra began to sprint towards Michelle, and then she fell over the third floor railing leaving Cassandra agape.

The only thing Rufus was certain was that Cassandra was the closest person to Michelle when this unfortunate accident took place. A huge indoor plant had blocked Rufus's vision hence he couldn't tell what exactly happened.

because there was no strong evidence to prove her guilty. Cassandra, on the

critical condition. Jasper would arrive very soon. If Rufus couldn't prove that Cassandra was innocent, he

her mouth. It seemed like she was about to confide in him. But nothing came out

her head and clasped her

for her. He wracked his mind trying to discern why Cassandra was trying to cover up for Cloris.

a grave mistake your sister has made?

out in rage. He couldn't suppress

Cassandra's

She herself fell victim to her atrocious ploys several times. Jealousy could drive Cloris to do awful things. She had cut up Cassandra's clothes in order to embarrass her in

a

am just fulfilling my responsibilities. When my father went to prison, I swore to him that I would take full responsibility of Cloris. I gave him my word, Rufus. Should

determination

him to understand, but he only gave her

Father?' he

his eyes, only Michelle was his true family. Everyone else was

about those dreadful things she has

everything she had done. He was concerned about Cassandra's well-being. Now he

to defend her, regardless of

her determination was as firm as before. This agitated Rufus more. He let out a mocking

intended to threaten you with your nude photos? Do you still think

eyes were as cold