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.

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.

to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate

the entire stem seemed to have shed a new layer, courtesy perhaps,

you're

expected that Lionel would say such a thing.

the beginning, but time has taken a lot of things away from me. Her face,

mischievously. Cassandra could feel how Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To him, Ivy was disposable and immediately

know what to feel about the entire situation. It wasn't that long ago when Ivy had confronted Cassandra by insisting that she would never let Lionel go. Now, Lionel was not only saying that he

such heartless pigs!

I'm after your money,

the painful memory of what she had said to Rufus when she first rejected him. She tried to shake the thought of Rufus's

to work alone than use other

genuinely. Cassandra noted that, for the

Qin Group would have paid off its loan

Lionel was only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway. But why did hearing it coming from Lionel make it

live on anyone's charity. She tried to fight the tears seeping out of her

the flowers. But I'm sorry, I'll have to say no again this time.

steps to the side to gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel

move, Lionel

stood up from where he was seated, before

of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single bright red rose Lionel had left on top of it.

up to her face to inspect it. It looked so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly remembered

head angrily, she tried to snap out of her thoughts.