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.

it's easy for me to break up with her. I think you'll

closer to pluck a rose, caressing

had 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

you think you're being

expected that Lionel would say such a

good number of years. I'm getting tired of her, honestly. Of course I loved her at the beginning, but time has taken a lot of things away from me. Her face, for instance. She's starting to

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

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

really were such heartless

that I'm after your money,

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

work alone than use other people's money. I know you're nothing

Cassandra noted that, for the first time.

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

the truth anyway. But why did hearing it coming from Lionel

that she didn't want to live on anyone's charity. She tried to fight the

I'll have to say no again

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

to move, Lionel gave

gently stood up from where he was seated, before cooly walking past Cassandra without

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

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

she tried to snap out of her thoughts.