A Graduation Gift

"What? From you?"

Cassandra was stunned, in disbelief. Lionel was thrilled at the sight of her face.

He was so proud of finally being able to surprise her.

"Of course they're from me! What, you think Rufus would ever give you something like that?"

Lionel smiled widely at her, knowing what she was thinking. He just wanted to tease her.

Cassandra couldn't hide her disappointment. Her eyebrows were scrunched together.

She had always thought that these flowers would only ever come from Rufus.

Even if she tried to refuse them, they would still be sent in anyway. He was incredibly persistent that he wouldn't even let her leave.

"Of course they're from me, Cassandra. I know Rufus has been busy recently because he was helping Miss Ke with her concert abroad. But you shouldn't trust him so easily, Cassandra. They could be enjoying a romantic time in Paris for all you know."

Lionel laughed to himself, deliberately trying to provoke Cassandra. He really wanted to see her devastated.

However Cassandra cleared her throat and held her chin up, refusing to give him what he wanted. She suppressed her devastation, trying to not look intimidated.

"We've already broken up, Lionel. There's no need for you to use him against me."

Cassandra kept her tone as calmly as she could, her face devoid of any emotion.

what? Your break up is a good thing. It means you and I could get back together. Ivy means nothing to me; it's easy for me to break up with her. I think you'll like that. I'm nothing like Rufus. I wouldn't cheat

closer to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate petals between his

stem seemed to have shed a new layer, courtesy perhaps, by the meticulous florist at

you think you're being unfair

such a thing. Did he ever

from me. Her face, for instance. She's starting to show wrinkles, it's disgusting! Isn't she also only

Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To him, Ivy was

Lionel go. Now, Lionel was not only saying that he

such

afraid that I'm after your money,

said to Rufus when she first rejected him. She tried

to work alone than use other people's money. I

genuinely. Cassandra noted that,

Cassandra really was after his money, Qin Group would have paid off its loan

that Lionel was only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway. But why did hearing it coming from Lionel make it seem all the more real, and all the more

want to live on anyone's charity. She tried to fight

for the flowers. But I'm sorry, I'll have to say

said, shifting a few steps to the side to gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel looked at

to move, Lionel gave up. "Fine," he started, "I'll come

he was seated, before cooly walking past Cassandra without saying another

gone, Cassandra quietly shut the door in front of her and sighed, feeling incredibly tired all of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single bright red rose Lionel had left on

beautiful. She suddenly remembered the times that Rufus would send her roses just as exquisite as

angrily, she tried to snap out