A Graduation Gift

She knew there was no need for her to worry about what they would talk about. No matter what it was, her father would definitely take her side.

Once she was out of the room, Charlie's demeanor changed into a more serious air. He looked at Rufus with a deep, penetrating gaze and asked, "Rufus, are you sure you will marry Amanda?"

Any trace of his earlier cheerfulness was now gone from his face. Charlie had asked Amanda to leave, knowing that she would possibly be hurt by the conversation. Rufus's expression did not escape him. He knew that something was wrong.

Rufus held the older man's gaze with his own. "To be honest, Charlie, I don't want to marry her."

Rufus did not like taking the roundabout way of doing things. After all, Charlie was his mentor. He gave him his answer directly. Now that there was only the two of them, there was nothing holding him back from speaking his mind.

Charlie's face visibly hardened at his answer. "But why did you... why did you stay with her last night!"

Rufus had expected his outburst. The older man's hands shook as he tried to hold his anger.

'Since when did Rufus become such an irresponsible man?! Just last night, he has slept with Amanda, and now he is saying he doesn't want to marry her? What is this bastard thinking?' Charlie cursed inwardly.

"You know perfectly why. I care for Amanda because I think of her as a sister. The woman I love is Cassandra."

Rufus's face softened as he spoke of Cassandra. A gentle expression appeared on his face as he mentioned her name.

"Pfft. Love be damned! You're not thinking clearly. That woman isn't good enough for you!"

Charlie had Cassandra investigated a long time ago. He learned that she had close relations with Rufus despite being married to his brother Lionel. When Rufus's aunt Michelle went to talk to her to put a stop to their relationship, they had a quarrel which ended with Michelle falling down from the third floor.

She was worthless. She had nothing to her name and a torn reputation in everyone's eyes. But Rufus was saying that he loved her! Charlie couldn't believe the ridiculousness of it all.

against the sharp words that were threatening to go out from his

know her better, you would understand. I have never met a more honest woman in all

and meant every word he said. He looked into Charlie's eyes as he spoke, as if to prove the

returned his gaze with

women." He took a step closer to Rufus. "Forget that damned woman. Remember, you are going to marry my daughter," Charlie pushed, his tone full of

manipulating rich men using her beauty. She would not be the

will not forget her,"

mind, even as he stared into the older man's eyes. He started

to think, if that was what she needed. He would wait for her for

about what you think. You will marry Amanda. Leave that woman and stay away

anything more. There was no way he could take Rufus's words seriously. He would

coming back to Dark Night with

That woman only served to sour his mood. He

"Problems?"

furrowed

himself to building a name for himself, and not once did

Clark. Word has reached us that he's involved in some shady business,"

name. There was no way he would forget

specifically singled him out and nitpicked his every move. He

boss, and fighting back

had no time to concern himself with making enemies, especially not a spoiled