A Graduation Gift

Lionel looked at Cassandra with mixed feelings reflected on his eyes. Then, he said, "I have an idea of what had happened between you and Rufus, Cassandra. What I don't understand is why is he engaged to Amanda now but not with you? I am a man. A man should do everything he can to win the heart of the woman he loves if what he feels for her is real. I really believe that because that was exactly what I did for you before..."

His confusion led him to keep talking and talking, looking back at the time when he fell in love with the woman in front of him now.

He always found Cassandra attractive. He even broke up with Ivy just to be with her.

It just hurt him because whenever he drew near, she pulled herself away.

Seeing where the conversation was going, Cassandra raised a hand to stop Lionel from continuing.

"If you really want me to help you, then don't ever say those words again,"

Cassandra said sternly. She did not want to hear anything about her relationship with Rufus anymore, from anyone.

It was complicated. No one would be able to understand. As for their future, she did not even want to think about it anymore. She was no longer as naive as she was in the past.

"I'm not trying to make him look bad, or get between you two. After what happened between all of us, you can be sure I know my place. I know I can't win your heart. But would it be too much for me to ask the woman I love to be happy, even without me?"

Lionel replied helplessly. He truly cared about Cassandra. Seeing her looking thinner and paler than whenever he last saw her pained him.

"Please stop. Why did you break up with Ivy? You don't have to do that for me. I can't be in a relationship with someone who is unfaithful, and that was exactly what you were,"

she shot back. In her heart, she was sad talking about what happened between her and Lionel. He seemed very different now.

He was too laid-back and impulsive. He would fall in love with someone just as easily as he would break up with them.

It took years before Cassandra learned to accept reality.

She liked to imagine herself as a Chinese parasol tree that would match up to Rufus. But she gradually came to realize that no matter how hard she tried, the distance between her and Rufus was just too great.

This distance existed when they knew each other at the very beginning.

He had his own life formed by his past. She was an unexpected detour. It was all serendipity.

That fantasy lasted until today. Cassandra knew that they had each other in their hearts. When she thought about the future, though, she could not see anything. She had no idea what their future would be like.

She was willing to live a simple life with him, but Rufus was born to be a great man with an eventful life. He will never be happy with a plain life.

Everywhere he went, there were rumors about him. Controversy and trouble followed him. Still, Cassandra was willing to go through them with him.

she brought up Ivy. He wanted to live a peaceful life with Ivy, but his feelings of Cassandra was just too

Rufus about you. Wait for my message," Cassandra said.

and turned to leave. Lionel sat frozen as he

apologized to Rufus, that would mean he yielded to

proud woman. She would never settle

smile appeared on Lionel's lips. He knew that this was the only possible way. Right now, all he could do was to wish that Cassandra's conversation with Rufus

a secret

at Clark and

great problems with regard to their

reflected the little light

Tang family for so many years. Seeing them at the brink of collapse thrilled

"Good job,"

satisfied smile. Arthur was a good

felt about the Tang Group through this predicament. As it turned out, Rufus did nothing to help salvaging the company. This made Clark conclude

Rufus, the Tang family

I will make you suffer, little by

put the Tang family

asked. He wanted to get a bigger

"Oh? Try me,"

raising his eyebrows

make the Tang family lose its reputation

on Arthur's face. He really seemed to hate the Tang family.

take his revenge and destroy them. Why would he settle with

was able to hide it well. This man was heartless. He seemed to

this much hatred was powerful enough to destroy

"What are you planning?"

asked as he looked at Arthur

source, however, found out that Horace actually abandoned them! Then again,

was like a

hate him! No one will ever help him get back to his feet after he falls down. The Tang Group will go down along with Horace's reputation. Isn't that a better idea

The thought of the Tang Group's fall made

to you. But I need you to do one more thing,"

of rejecting his proposal, he opted

please. Anything for you, Mr. Ji,"

Arthur had were from Clark. He would do