A Graduation Gift

There was once an Emperor from the Tang Dynasty who asked his men to spur the flying horse at high speed to bring him lychees from miles and miles away all because his favorite concubine was very fond of them. Now, in a similar fashion, Rufus was willing to give Cassandra anything to make her happy.

"You bought this for me?"

Cassandra asked, bright-eyed and pleasantly surprised.

"Yes, and I have something very important to tell you. Actually, I bought this studio for you because I know that you don't want to stay home as a housewife. Let's face it, you love working! That said, I think it would be better for you to start your own business. That's better than working for other people. I got this for you to help you start,"

he replied as he looked at her with loving eyes.

Warmth filled Cassandra. What Rufus did was genuinely sincere and thoughtful.

On the other hand, she could not help but feel that she did not deserve such a wonderful gift.

"Okay, I know you don't want to accept it free, so how about you pay me rent? What do you think?" Rufus immediately suggested.

He definitely knew her very well. The hesitation on her face had betrayed her and Rufus knew exactly how to respond even before she could say anything.

Cassandra beamed with a smile as bright as sunshine.

"You are starting to know me very well," she remarked.

It touched her that Rufus seemed very accommodating to her personal sentiments and was willing to compromise.

"I'm very flattered. Anyway, all you have to do now is think of what you want to do with this place!" he replied with satisfaction.

The smile on her face was enough to put him at ease.

Cassandra's happiness made him feel invincible.

Cassandra cocked her head with thought. There were no ideas at the top of her head at the moment.

"You don't have to answer right now. Take your time! For now, let's find somewhere to eat," Rufus suggested.

Then, he took his coat and led Cassandra out with his arm around her shoulders. Cassandra, in turn, leaned against him as they walked to a restaurant that served Western cuisine.

In its pleasant ambiance, Rufus and Cassandra found a table and took their seats.

Not long after they did, though, Arthur and Cloris walked in.

They immediately spotted Rufus and Cassandra as they entered. Likewise, the couple saw Arthur and Cloris as well.

Cloris rolled her eyes and turned towards the opposite side of the restaurant. She, apparently, had no plans of coming over and saying hello.

With knitted eyebrows, Rufus examined Cassandra's reaction from the corner of his eyes.

"Your younger sister seems to have issues," Rufus whispered.

without any consideration for other people. Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her.

young to understand. I firmly believe that things will

than to Rufus. She tried hard to understand her sister, but

who openly hated her at all times, and Cassandra was no exception. The only thing she kept repeating to herself was that Cloris was still very young and

set aside her own prejudice. Eventually,

time, she believed that Cloris would eventually

disk that contained the document he stole for her. Beaming widely, he remarked, "Here you go.

he were counting cash. Making money

it? Are you serious?" Ivy asked in

she looked at Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for

Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that

face. He could still recall his own reaction when he found

a cup of coffee, and there, managed to steal her keys from her purse when she excused herself to go to the lavatory. Before she could realize what had happened,

without anyone noticing. Just as quickly as he got the keys, he copied the documents and slipped out inconspicuously.

incredulously as he told his tale. She knew that Adrian was many things but not

account

promised. Adrian looked at his bank statement with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done. Then, he turned his gaze

softly on her shoulders. Adrian felt an itch on his heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch. Suddenly, he stepped forward, pulled Ivy towards him and

together. I just completed a

kissed her, his breath getting heavier and

escape his embrace. His kisses

paid you! And

new target now.

they did not know each other. It would be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When push came to shove, she

remember how you threw yourself at me last time?" he said in between gasps.

was so fast that it felt as if it were going to jump out of his chest. Overwhelmed with desire, he could barely

don't force me to be rude!" Ivy

but to no

be rude to me. Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I like that. Show me what you've got," he answered.

bitch! Adrian, please, show some respect! I'm your

her legs to kick him but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then

a man does to a woman. I will give

he let out a loud, savage laugh.

and a figure appeared and froze at the sight of

the hell are you doing, Adrian?" the man shouted with rage.

Adrian aside. Ivy hurriedly got up, wrapped her robe around her and ran to her bedroom.

seated on the ground. Joel's arrival was something he did not expect.

lost your mind? She's my sister! How dare you!"

his wit's end and he gnashed

feet and

he did not need him anymore. He