A Graduation Gift

Rufus frowned and looked at her, confused.

"Who are you waiting for?" he asked.

Cassandra pulled her collar up subconsciously. She didn't seem to be bothered by the wound on her neck. As the collar could not hide it completely, she tucked her neck a bit as she avoided Rufus's touch.

"There's another guy who is interested in the studio. I need to wait for him so I could show him around..." Cassandra replied.

She wanted to make sure that everything was settled for Lyndsy as soon as possible. That way, she could concentrate more on the shoot and her plastic surgery treatment abroad. Suddenly, Rufus interrupted her before she could even finish her words.

"It's me. Let's go. I'll send someone to sign the sale and purchase agreement with you,"

he said, feeling relaxed now. He initially thought that Cassandra just downright rejected him. As it turned out, she only wanted to make sure that the office sale was taken care of as soon as possible.

"What? It's you?!"

Cassandra's eyes widened as she looked at him in surprise.

"I didn't expect Amanda to get here before I did. Otherwise, you would not have been hurt," he replied ignoring her expression.

Her reaction satisfied Rufus very much. A smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Why do you buy this place? What are you going to do with it?"

Cassandra asked with furrowed brows.

"You will know it when it's time," he replied simply.

He did not want to tell her his plan just yet. He wanted it to be a surprise.

Cassandra looked at him with suspicion. In the long time that she had known him, she still found it difficult to read him sometimes.

Rufus smiled and held her in his arms. Then, he put his chin on her head and smelled her hair.

"I didn't know that my hesitation would cause you pain until today when I saw what she did to you. I'm sorry," he apologized.

There was guilt in his voice. His heart ached seeing the scratch marks on her fair neck.

Still, Cassandra remained sorrowful despite his words.

'You hurt me a long time ago, Rufus. You just didn't know it.

in my heart? You can't see it nor feel it. You know nothing

react positively to his apology. However, she only lowered her head. She didn't even say anything. In her eyes were sadness

yield easily. But now, her pained eyes and expression

into his

leave this city. Okay? Leave with me, my darling," he whispered.

uneasy he felt. There was so much danger and he did not want to leave Cassandra

can't leave with you

failed. Rufus was determined to keep her close. He would not let her

"Why?" he asked.

so distant. He couldn't feel her heart the way he did before. What had happened between them? How did it get to

making up for it, my heart would never be at peace,"

spoke with a low yet determined voice.

come back to the Tang

business strategies against the Dawn Star Group. Even without him, Rufus was sure that Lionel

things would be different. At least, Lionel would not be so

answered back. She was not a fool. When Rufus applied for loans from the bank to expand the company, everyone thought he did so to gain a bigger share of the market. It was only now that Cassandra realized his true intention. He did

but what

several other problems. Its state would worsen until it went bankrupt. That

you always defend them,

To him, it became more and more

would rest in peace if she saw you with so much hatred in

mother would be enough

gone, Cassandra. And you know why? It's because of the Tang family. And I will never

not seem to

them down, then I would rather that you stop talking to

around to leave. Cassandra, too, was disappointed. But before she stepped out, she suddenly stopped as if she forgot something. Then, she turned to

her words, she took off, leaving Rufus alone with

the agreement with the Tang Group. Why are you doing this? Why

left. 'Rufus, my darling, there is no real hatred among family. When will you realize that? When will you let go of your desire for vengeance and instead accept your family

and Edith appeared in her mind. It was probably time to pay her father a visit. 'I hope this winter would not be as cold as it was last year, ' thought Cassandra.

walked to her car in tears. Ivy had been waiting for her inside.

had done to her. She could not believe that he asked her to leave and said all those humiliating things in front of Cassandra. She felt as if he trampled her pride.

"Amanda, don't cry anymore..."

because Rufus drove her out. She did not really know what happened

Rufus must have driven her out too. He must have sided with Cassandra. Otherwise, Amanda would not

stop crying. Memories of her and Rufus started to play in