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.

now, he was used to Cloris acting as she wished without any consideration for other people. Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her. She still could

firmly believe that things

more to herself than to Rufus. She tried hard to understand her sister, but deep down, she could not keep herself from being hurt by her indifference.

breathe easily with a sibling 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 that

didn't set aside her own prejudice. Eventually,

was determined to stay patient and persist. In time, she believed that Cloris would eventually accept her

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

Making money was

Are you serious?" Ivy asked in

seemed impossible for her that he

or not, my ex-girlfriend happens to be Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that lucky? The knife

explained with a smug expression on his face. He could still recall his own reaction when he found out about this.

managed to steal her keys from her purse when

without anyone noticing. Just as quickly as he got the keys, he

incredulously as he told his tale. She knew that Adrian was many

me your bank account

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

a thin robe over her nightgown as her long, curly hair rested softly on her shoulders. Adrian felt an itch on his heart that

since the last time we did it together. I just

her, his breath getting heavier

to escape his embrace.

me alone, Adrian! I've paid you!

on her new target now. Adrian was a

him again, as if they did not know each other. It would be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When

come on, baby. Don't be shy. I know you want it. Don't you remember how you threw yourself at me

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

me to be rude!"

full strength but to no

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

show some respect! I'm

to dodge them swiftly. He then

I'm not just going to respect you. I will worship you as a man does to

let out a loud, savage laugh.

and a figure appeared and froze

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

hurriedly got

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

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

his wit's end and

his feet and replied

just received, he did not need him anymore. He was not worth more than a