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.

stiffened. She didn't expect Rufus would read her mind so easily.

or later. She had come in terms with it

deep breath and gathered all her courage to

our relationship was a mistake. We should have seen it from the very beginning. If we decided to pursue it, our paths will be filled with thorns. We won't have a happy ending, that's for sure. I think it is best for

tried her best to hide her sorrow

tried to maintain their relationship, he might end up ruining his reputation. And worst of all, he might even lose all

to lose his family. It was with a lot of difficulty that he finally reunited with the Tang family. She didn't want him to be isolated once again. And most importantly, she didn't want to be a hurdle in their relationship.

love could do anything. She thought love could grant her enormous power to overcome every problem.

that she was

you fill my heart with hopes? Why did you come to Garden Villa!" Rufus yelled with

the emotional pain

on someone. You're a handsome, rich and successful man. You offered me your care and support. Did I have any

But this time it

you're a cruel

look malicious. Deep down she hoped he would leave her after hearing

leave me. Now that you know the truth, there is no reason for you to stay with

Rufus's eyes, now she had turned into a selfish and vain woman. 'I hope he won't make me speak more. I can't take this anymore, '

and took a final look at her. He then turned around and

the door shut, leaving behind

was on the brink of falling apart. Tears

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