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.

sharp words that were threatening to go out from his mouth. He had always respected

those are nothing but rumors. If you know her better, you would understand. I have

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

snorted and returned his gaze with

you love her or not," he spat. "You are with my daughter now, and you had better stop screwing around with other 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

using her beauty. She would not be the

not forget

even as he stared into the older man's eyes.

and he knew that. He would give her all the time in the world to think, if that was what she needed. He would wait for her for a lifetime, if that was what it took. In the end, he was sure that they would

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

Rufus could say anything more. There was no way he could take Rufus's words seriously. He would make sure that his daughter would get

one more thing. Don't go back to G City. You will be coming back to Dark Night with

That woman only served to sour his mood. He opted instead to speak about

"Problems?"

furrowed

he left the group, he had devoted himself to building a name for himself, and not once did he involve himself

about Clark. Word has reached us that he's

was no way he would forget that name.

Group, Clark had specifically singled him out and nitpicked his

fighting back against him would only bring worse things.

especially not a spoiled brat like Clark. His