A Graduation Gift

Cassandra and Cloris shared the same blood as sisters, but the way they were raised could not be more different.

In their parents' eyes, Cloris had always been a delicate little princess. She demanded attention, and had it. Cassandra, on the other hand, was silent and kept to herself. It was as if she had disappeared into the background as their parents poured their time and attention to the younger sibling.

"Mom, Courtney is suffering from illness now. We should understand how her mother feels. If Cloris's apology can help Courtney recover even a little, I don't see any reason why she should not do it. Auntie Whitney is not an unreasonable person. She has never said that Cloris carried all the blame for this…" she reasoned.

Cassandra wanted to try to convince Edith and get her to listen, but Edith interrupted her impatiently, "Cassandra, you are my daughter, and you are Cloris's sister. Why are you speaking for other people? Courtney's illness has nothing to do with us. Whatever they say, we won't apologize!"

Edith raised her voice. Her eyes burned with the offense she took at Cassandra's words.

"But Mother, if Auntie had not transferred her shares to us, our group would have been acquired by the Tang family. She helped us out, and we owe her at least this much. Don't you think?"

Cassandra reasoned. She was starting to feel distressed at her mother's refusal to listen.

"She transferred her shares to you, not me. If you want to apologize, then do it yourself!"

Cloris challenged, seeing that she had won Edith's support. She knew that she would not have to worry if their mother was on her side.

She was her mother's precious daughter. The incident was a thing of the past. Why should she apologize to someone who wasn't even right in the head?

Cassandra looked at her mother and sister in disappointment. She knew it would be difficult, but she didn't expect that they would refuse to even consider. 'All Auntie Whitney has asked for was a long due apology. Was that such a difficult thing to do?

Were they really so proud even in matters of life and death? An apology could mean Courtney's life. Why did they refuse to budge?'

she sighed to herself. Since reason didn't work, she had to use a different strategy.

"Before Cloris goes abroad, I'll take her to buy some clothes and personal necessities,"

to another topic to diffuse the tension that had

go shopping

seldom that her daughters went out together, and she was looking forward to seeing them

next day, however, Edith caught a cold. She decided to stay in and rest.

two go on

weakly, her eyes half-closed.

Cassandra," Cloris said immediately.

on the new clothes she would buy, and she went out of the room without looking

shall I take

bed and looked at her mother carefully,

right. It's nothing serious, just a cold. Go shopping with Cloris. Buy her

and urged Cassandra

Cassandra had no choice but to close the door and continue with the original plan to take Cloris shopping. She followed Cloris around silently as her little sister checked rack after rack. Soon enough, their hands were strung with multiple shopping bags. Cloris did

shopping spree. Just as Cassandra was about to bring up Courtney with her again, someone blocked their

her

have you forgotten your

frowning with distaste. She was annoyed to find the two of

Rufus, but why are you two living together? What do you want? Just when will you leave?"

in their tracks. She

really got

lady! What are you doing

she met Michelle's heated gaze. Cassandra pulled at her hand to signal

scoffed, giving her a once-over. "What crude

glance. She had bought a dress

nothing more insulting than having her clothes thoughtlessly destroyed. There was nothing but