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.

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

rose, caressing the delicate petals between

been stripped clean of its thorns; the entire stem seemed to have shed a new layer, courtesy perhaps, by the meticulous florist at the flower shop.

you think you're being

never expected that Lionel would say such a

the beginning, but time 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, anyway? She doesn't even make

could feel how Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To

that long ago when Ivy had confronted Cassandra by insisting that she would never let Lionel go. Now, Lionel

were such

that I'm after

to Rufus when she first rejected him. She tried to shake

alone than use other people's money.

that, for the

really was after his money, Qin Group

particular moment. She knew 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,

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

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

the side to gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel

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

seated, before cooly walking past Cassandra without

of her and sighed, feeling incredibly tired all of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the

and beautiful. She suddenly remembered the times that Rufus

to snap out of her