A Graduation Gift

Horace's heart sank, feeling the weight of his cold glare. Rufus's words hit home. Still, he was determined not to give in just yet.

"Your mother didn't tell me she was pregnant. If I had known, there was no way I would have abandoned her!"

he answered to his defense. He looked back at Rufus, outraged for receiving a groundless accusation.

"You're not fooling anyone. Had she told you, I would have already been dead!"

Rufus sneered with disdain. How he wished he could kill the man in front of him right now. Remembering what Michelle had told him, he was filled with so much hatred. It made him so hungry for revenge.

"Don't talk nonsense! You are my son, and I wouldn't let you die!"

Horace's face darkened. Rufus's words felt like daggers to his chest. He did not know where they all came from.

"Really? Why don't you go home and ask your wife? My mother was pregnant so she went to the Tang family residence to tell you. But your wife, Jill, stopped her. She did not allow her to enter the premises and drove her away, even sending some men to tail after her. My mother ran for her life. She almost got a miscarriage! She then realized that telling you about my existence was impossible. Later, as if her misfortunes were not enough, her family disowned her so she was forced to fend for herself. That was when she gave birth to me. She raised me on her own and never contacted you because you disappointed her. At that time, Jill was your priority. You let her move in with you in the Tang family home, while you left nothing for my mother, even when she was pregnant. Moreover, you had her kicked out by my grandfather. She lived a hard life all because of you!"

Rufus clenched his fists, trying hard to resist his urge to hit him.

Horace, on the other hand, grew even more serious.

"Jill never told me about this. I didn't even know that this happened. If I had known that I had a son, I would have never let your mother suffer so much,"

Horace replied. Pity showed in his eyes as he wondered about the kind of life she lived. It must have been difficult. She did not deserve that. She was such a tender woman. He had been living in his mansion oblivious to all that happened, until now.

"Stop pretending to be sorry, Horace! You two have shared the same bed for so many years. How is it possible that you don't know what kind of person she is? You didn't want to face my mother. That was why you sent Jill to fend her off, instead. Am I right?"

Rufus shot, addressing him by name. His message was clear. Horace was not his father and he was tired of pretending otherwise.

"How dare you talk to me like that! I am your father no matter what happens!"

Horace boomed sternly. Now, he realized how futile his efforts were. Rufus would never yield to him and he would never go back and help the Tang Group to pull through.

Now, he also understood why Rufus and Jill never got along, and why Rufus resigned and left the company so easily. He didn't care about Tang Group at all.

your decision? You will just

he held his crutch tightly. The tension

see you suffer. I want you to regret what you did to me and my mother. I want you to be helpless knowing that the child you wanted to kill is now the only one who can save you and your family. I want you to beg, I want you to be

formed across Rufus's face. He was elated. He fantasized about this moment all his life. Getting the words out for the first time in his

how he imagined things to pan out. In his mind, he thought that Rufus only wanted an apology and would easily forgive him if he felt it was sincere

very wrong. Rufus had been tending to his hatred his whole life and devoted it all to seek

him, at a loss for words. Color had left his face. Then, his lips started to move a bit until he eventually managed to

it...I deserve

the help of his cane. He wanted to get away from the moment as fast as he could. His weak,

he persisted. In his mind, there was a black hole right in front of him and he walked towards it eagerly. The moment he managed to walk past the courtyard's gate, he fainted

Horace. Fear filled him, he cradled the old man's

never experienced before. He was at a loss for

hospital, spotted the familiar figure lying on the ground. Walking

Rufus. The gate was not locked. Through its opening, she saw him. Rufus was at the doorway,

that something was very, very wrong, so she called in

the door, looking at the dying man as if he were in another world. He watched his own flesh and blood, the man who gave him life, struggle at the brink of

to be happy. But why was he

his life he had prepared for the moment when he could go back to the Tang family to send them to hell, would be the most thrilling

that he finally did it, why did it

inform them of the accident. She had to make sure Horace would be attended to. Soon, things started to calm down and she found herself standing alone at the place where Horace, just a few moments ago, lay almost dying. She looked at Rufus from

mouthed something as she stared

from the other side, saw her

said, "That

face remained blank. Cassandra turned around

probably thought he was a monster. When the man who gave him life struggled to

face. It wasn't a victor's smile. It was a bitter smile.

think I'm cold-blooded, Cassandra? I guess you're right. I am cold-blooded just like a snake. I've been crawling under the ground all these years to prepare for this

mother's face. She was a strong and independent woman. She had a very promising future. Only, Horace ruined her.

he was a little boy, Rufus and his mother passed by a store that sold musical instruments. Inside, a beautiful melody

got very curious. Drawn in by the sound, he reached over to touch