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.

from his mouth. He had always respected Charlie, and he had no plans of disrespecting

but rumors. If you know her better, you would understand. I have never met a

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

and returned his

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,

woman's trap. It would seem that she was an expert in manipulating rich men using her beauty. She would not be the first. Charlie had seen his fair share of her

not forget

a firm tone. That woman had filled his mind, even as he stared into the older man's

each other. She was trying to break free from him, 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

what you think. You will marry Amanda. Leave that woman and stay away from her starting from

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

You will be coming back to Dark Night with me.

That woman only served

"Problems?"

furrowed

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

has reached us that he's involved in some shady

was no way

Clark had specifically singled him out and nitpicked his every

and fighting back against him would only bring worse

enemies, especially not a spoiled brat like Clark. His first and