A Graduation Gift

'Cassandra, please change your mind. She is not your family! If she considered you her family, she wouldn't have taken such extreme measures to spoil your life.

Cloris is like Horace. They're selfish and mean. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want. Family doesn't matter to them. They truly don't deserve your love!' Rufus thought.

But Cassandra was stubborn.

"I believe Cloris has her own reasons for what she did. Anyway, at the end of the day we are still a family. Nothing she does can change the fact she is my sister,"

Cassandra replied cooly, with her determination still intact.

In her mind, she decided she would talk to Cloris later and try to solve the issue. But right now she had to keep her words. She had promised Vernon hence she couldn't watch Cloris get into trouble.

Cassandra vividly remembered how she had spent that night sitting on the rooftop. Life had been so difficult that the thought of killing herself popped into her mind. That was when she looked back and thought of her mother and her sister. She remembered the smell of the dishes her mom cooked in the past. All this filled her heart with warmth.

She agreed they had clashes and disagreements, but that was very common among families. In spite of all this, they were the most important people in her life.

Watching Cassandra's expression soften, Rufus realized she wouldn't give up on her pursuit to protect her sister. The hope that was ignited in his eyes faded.

'Cassandra, you only have affection for your family, but what about me? My aunt is fighting for her life in the hospital. Yet I came here to help you. All I asked for you is to change your mind. Do you even know the turmoil I am in right now?

Of course not, you have given all your attention to your family. I am probably the last person on your mind. Otherwise, you wouldn't be standing here and defending your sister who doesn't even deserve it. Now I have come to see the importance of our relationship in your life, ' Rufus thought to himself, despondently.

"So I guess that's it. Now do you want to give up on our relationship?"

Rufus squinted. He gazed into her eyes, wishing to see through her heart.

expect Rufus would read her mind

with Rufus would end sooner or later. She had come in terms with it so she was fine. Now their chance of being together was completely finished. With a sinking feeling, she

all her courage to look into Rufus's eyes.

If we decided to pursue it, our paths will be filled with thorns. We won't have a happy ending,

her best to hide her sorrow and sadness.

maintain their relationship, he might end up ruining his reputation.

Tang family. She didn't want him to be isolated once again. And most importantly, she didn't want to be a hurdle

She thought love could grant her enormous

she was too naive

relationship then why did you fill my heart with hopes? Why did you come

was nothing compared to the emotional pain that Cassandra's

a dire situation, I had to depend on someone. You're a handsome, rich and successful man. You offered me your care and support. Did I have any reason to decline it? No!" Cassandra retorted back, nonchalantly.

stabbing him straight in the heart. But this time it was not only Rufus who suffered,

you're a

trying hard to look malicious. Deep down she hoped he would

you can leave me. Now that you know the truth, there is no reason for

hope he won't make me speak more. I can't take this anymore, ' Cassandra pleaded internally, wanting him

and took a final look at her. He then turned

slammed the door shut, leaving behind a loud

brink of falling apart. Tears slowly

passed and Cassandra's life in the detention centre got harder and harder. Trials, interrogations and hearing records went on and on. She miserably