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.

nothing to me; it's easy for me to break up with her. I think you'll like that. I'm nothing

closer to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate petals between his

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

think you're being unfair

such a thing. Did he ever

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 it entertaining for me anymore.

Cassandra could feel how Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To

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 pigs!

you afraid that I'm after your

what she had said to Rufus when

to work alone than use

noted that,

Group would have paid off its loan

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 the more real, and all

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

But I'm sorry, I'll

gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel looked at her

move, Lionel

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

Cassandra quietly shut the door in front of her and sighed, feeling incredibly tired all of a sudden.

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

her head angrily, she tried to snap out of