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

believe that things will get better as she grows

She tried hard to understand her sister, but deep down, she

no exception. The only thing she kept repeating to herself was that

Eventually, Cassandra found herself accustomed to her

and persist. In time, she believed that Cloris would eventually accept her as a sister.

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

glowed as if he were counting cash. Making money was one of Adrian's

it? Are you

Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for her that he would

my ex-girlfriend happens to be Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that lucky? The knife was right inside the

explained with a smug expression on his face. He could still recall his own reaction when he found out about this. He could not believe his fortune!

to steal her keys from her purse when she excused herself to go to

office without anyone noticing.

as he told his tale. She knew that Adrian

bank account now,"

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

robe over her nightgown as her long, curly hair rested softly on her shoulders. Adrian felt an itch on his heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch.

we did it together. I just completed a very difficult task for you. How about a little

her, his breath getting heavier

to escape his embrace.

paid you!

new target now. Adrian was a distraction.

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

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

intoxicated him. His heartbeat was so fast that it felt as if it were going to

don't force me

away at full strength but to no avail. Adrian

you want. I like that. Show me what you've got," he answered.

show some respect!

him but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then pushed her to the ground and went on

just going to respect you. I will worship you as a man does to a woman. I

as he let out a loud, savage laugh.

a figure appeared

the hell are you doing, Adrian?" the

hurriedly got up, wrapped her robe around her and ran

Joel's arrival was something he

sister!

at his wit's end and

his feet and replied with indifference, "Your sister asked me to come

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