A Graduation Gift

Cassandra immediately felt silly when she realized what she was thinking. How could she suspect Rufus of doing such a thing?

Despite everything that he had been doing to the Tang family, she understood that it all came from his hatred for Horace and his abandonment of him and his mother. As for Lyndsy, however, it did not make sense. There was no reason for him to cause her harm.

Could it be that whatever happened to Lyndsy was done by her rival?

She walked towards the main entrance of the hospital while Rufus followed behind her, keeping a safe distance. Looking at the back of her head and almost feeling her grief, he could not help but feel sad.

There were a group of reporters waiting outside already. One of them recognized her. Soon, the rest followed.

"Miss Qin, how is Lyndsy now?"

"Miss Qin, did you find out anything about the cause of the accident?"

"Miss Qin, what will Lyndsy's future be now that her face is disfigured?"

…

Countless microphones made their way towards her face. She almost felt as if she were being suffocated.

Rufus dashed to Cassandra, squeezed through the crowd and spread his long arms to give her some space.

"Lyndsy is awake now. We will address your questions later at the news conference!" he announced.

Without minding any of the burning questions the crowd of journalists had, Rufus scooped her into his arms and immediately carried her away.

It had been a while since Cassandra was this close to him. She felt the warmth of his body, his familiar scent, his care, concern and protection.

She knew that it would not be a good idea to talk to the reporters candidly. It was better if all the information was to be released during the press conference. They had to come up with something formal that the news sites can base their reports from.

When they finally got to escape the annoying crowd of reporters, Rufus started to teach her a few rules of the entertainment circle. Cassandra, though, did not absorb a word that he said. She found herself staring at the window in silence.

"Cassandra, you may be inexperienced in this kind of thing. Let me do it, okay?"

Rufus offered gently, knowing that she was still struck with grief because of what happened to Lyndsy. This was the first time that Cassandra had to deal with a situation like this so it was understandable that she was having a hard time.

A bitter smile crept on her face. 'Let him do it?' Cassandra thought. 'Do I look like a loser who can't do anything on my own?'

"Why is it that I can't seem to handle problems well no matter how hard I try?"

she said slowly, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"I tried to save the Qin Group but failed. I tried to get rid of Clark but failed. Now, with Lyndsy, I can't even be of much help too. Why do I always feel that fate is against me? Why is everything so difficult for me? I'm...so...exhausted..."

she said slowly as her eyes closed. A single tear surfaced at the corner of her eye and dropped.

as if his heart were pierced by a sharp needle.

out his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace. He felt her tremble against his chest. Quietly, he assured her, "Cassandra, please be mine. Stay with me. I don't

saw himself as someone who could speak lovingly to another human being. He was normally the type who preferred to keep his feelings

to comfort her with his words, she seemed

the first time she was letting it out. It was all

help her return

cry. I'm here for

his words were filled with some kind of magic, he managed to calm her

do you pressure

he continued to embrace her and slowly swayed left and

gently got out of his embrace, wiped the tears off her face, and regained composure.

what caused this accident,"

Now, she felt

me help you,"

were brimmed with affection

time, Cassandra kept silent. She neither

positive reply, this was

hedgehog that could sting. The closer he went,

that behind the protective layer was a kind

they conversed, a set of eyes watched them from

in thought, trying to guess

like they're talking again. Rufus must have already warned Cassandra about something,

game. At this stage, they were both playing safe while they assessed the other's strategy. Once one of them detected a weak spot, the real war would break

to strike first

was somewhat similar to life itself—no matter how indomitable one might seem,

coming. Who was going to win

as a smug smile crept across his

already taste

the time to take off Lyndsy's bandage

her bed were Cassandra and

peeled off, revealing her face bit

itself: multiple

times.

chest. He was all that

a

stared at each

"Is my face..."

filled her eyes. When no one reacted, her fear intensified.

right side of her face, compared to her left, was very easy to detect. As soon as she felt the rough marks, her heart sank.

"Give me a mirror!"