A Graduation Gift

"How's it going with your work?"

In prison's visiting rooms, Vernon sat across Cassandra. He had grown thinner but he seemed to be in high spirits.

"It's doing great, Father. Don't worry about me. As for my mother, she can't come today because she has been very busy, but I'm sure she will visit you next time," Cassandra said.

She made it a point not to bear bad news because she did not want her father to worry too much. It was important for her that he behaved well in prison so he could be let out soon and they could all be together. Because of this, she and her mother agreed not to tell Vernon about Edith's illness.

"Do you have a boyfriend now?"

This was the next question he asked. Of course, this also brought him concern because he didn't want his daughter to grow old alone. It only made sense that he would ask this too.

Cassandra already anticipated this and she was able to prepare an answer.

"Yes, but we haven't been dating long yet. I'd like to bring him so you can meet him when it's time. It's still too early now,"

she replied smoothly without hesitation.

Vernon smiled with relief when he heard her reply. That was good news to him because in his mind, that meant that he did not need to worry about Cassandra too much. There was a man who was taking care of her.

"I'm sorry I haven't been a good father. You and your mother must have been having a hard time recently,"

he started apologetically. He felt sorry for leaving Cassandra the burden of taking care of his family.

Right then, Cassandra suddenly remembered what Rufus told Ivy.

Joel had threatened Vernon to the point of him considering suicide. She realized that Ivy must have done this because of the things happening between them back then.

Cassandra's heart ached. Her father almost died because of her. This filled her with guilt.

"Father, please, no more apologizing. We are family. We're all waiting for you—mother, Cloris, and me,"

she said as she reached out to hold her father's hand to comfort him.

"How about Cloris? How is she?"

It had been a long time since he saw his beloved younger daughter. He missed her very much.

"She's fine. She came back a few days ago and she has a boyfriend now,"

Cassandra replied with a smile.

What is he like? Is he treating Cloris

question

smiled and replied

is the president of Dawn

Cloris's lovestruck face appeared in her mind. The girl seemed so happy and she

understand, however, was that from what she knew, Arthur broke up with Cloris before. She even came back just to see him but they ended up fighting. It confused Cassandra to see them dating again.

"Arthur? I know him!"

more excited. Arthur was part of the business

for her. Arthur is a very

it off his face. Realizing that his daughter was dating a great man filled

Cassandra joy,

you should also hurry up with your love life then, Cassandra. By the way, who were you talking

the mystery guy was. A part of him felt bad that

Cassandra, though, she was actually hoping that he would not investigate as this was a topic she would have preferred to

been through a lot, clearly. Mother doesn't like him very much either, but I'll introduce him to you, Father, and you'll see that he's really a great guy! I promise! I mean, I think you'll really

could, she explained the situation and put in as many good words for Rufus as possible.

a few seconds and

ex-husband's brother. What will the Tang family say when they find out that you plan to be their older son's wife?" he

he worried about was the Tang family's approval, it was likely that the news about Rufus's identity had not reached him yet. It

to think about the future, Father. Please let

with a bitter

have the time and energy to think about her relationship with Rufus at this moment. Currently, keeping the Tang Group afloat was their

pain in her eyes made Vernon's heart ache. Would Horace agree if she married

take care of yourself. Don't

hands and

I promise. Thank you," she replied.

father's love overwhelmed Cassandra so much

like this with her father. Sitting across him and holding his hands, she had never felt this loved by him in all her life. It was as if she were in a

obvious favor towards her sister. She could not recall a moment in her childhood where she felt that he loved her.

in her wildest imagination did she imagine this moment to happen.

had everything she needed. She felt as if she were the luckiest girl in the world. If she had left her family and allowed her hatred to get the best of her during her bitter days, she would

were beside her right now. She wanted to tell him how she felt, how beautiful these kinds of moments were, and how things would always get better with

of having a family and how it was worth fighting for.

was much more satisfying than

convince him. He was very stubborn and nothing she did or said about this

No matter what Lionel did, nothing seemed to work. They needed help and

have been Rufus's responsibility to lend a hand. But unfortunately, absorbed by his hatred, he