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.

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 on you

a rose, caressing the delicate petals between his fingers.

rose. It had been stripped clean of its thorns; the entire stem seemed to have shed a new layer, courtesy perhaps, by the meticulous

you think you're being

expected that Lionel would say such

has taken a lot of things away from me. Her face, for instance. She's starting to show wrinkles, it's disgusting! Isn't she also only staying with me for my money,

about Ivy. To him, Ivy

go. Now, Lionel was not only saying that he was sick of her, but also claiming that he was the one sending all these

such heartless pigs!

afraid that I'm after

said to Rufus when

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

genuinely. Cassandra noted that, for the

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

unable to describe what she felt at this particular moment. She knew that Lionel was only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway.

was also extremely stubborn. 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 whirring back towards

But I'm sorry, I'll have to say no again

gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel looked at her quizzically.

to move, Lionel gave up. "Fine,"

where he was seated, before cooly

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

up to her face to inspect it. It looked so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly remembered the times that Rufus would send her roses just as exquisite as this.

her head angrily, she tried to snap out