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.

and 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

closer to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate

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

think you're being

would say such a thing. Did he ever love Ivy?

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

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

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 was sick of her, but also claiming that he was the one sending all these flowers to her. Wasn't he

really were such heartless pigs!

that I'm after your money,

as she was suddenly reminded of the painful memory of what she had said to Rufus when she first rejected him. She tried to shake the thought of Rufus's beautiful face off

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

Cassandra noted that, for the

after his money, Qin Group would have

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. But why did hearing it coming from Lionel make it seem all

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

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

steps to the side to gesture

move, Lionel gave up. "Fine,"

gently stood up from where he was seated, before cooly

shut 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 on top of it.

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

angrily, she tried to snap out of