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.

good thing. It means you and I could get back together. Ivy means nothing to me; it's easy for me to break up

caressing

clean of its thorns; the entire stem seemed to have shed a new layer, courtesy perhaps, by

think you're

such a thing.

lot of things away from me.

how Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To him, Ivy was disposable

long ago when Ivy had confronted Cassandra by insisting that she would never let Lionel go. Now, Lionel was not only saying that he was

were such

I'm after your money,

asked as she was suddenly reminded of the painful memory of what she had said to Rufus when

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

Cassandra noted that,

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

at this particular moment. She knew that Lionel was only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway. But why

She knew that she didn't want to live on anyone's charity. She tried to fight the tears seeping out of her eyes by roughly shaking her head and clearing her throat, her attention

sorry, I'll have to say no again this time.

said, shifting a few steps to the side to gesture Lionel towards the

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

was seated, before cooly walking

all of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single bright red rose Lionel

face to inspect it. It looked so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly remembered the times that

tried to snap out of her