A Graduation Gift

"I haven't been feeling well recently. I rarely come out, let alone read the newspapers,"

Cassandra bashfully remarked. Being praised by Cloris was a rarity, so she did not know how to properly respond to the unusual occurrence.

Edith stood up from her seat and went beside Cassandra, effectively disrupting her prior conversation. She prompted her daughter to give her a tour of the place before she pulled Cassandra to a corner and said, "I briefly talked to Rufus just now. I think I've changed my mind about him since even Cloris only spouted praises for him. We've both agreed to leave you both alone, I hope you'll continue being happy with him!"

The meeting with Vernon had indeed been a therapeutic one for Edith. It was her fault that she had forced her docile daughter to marry Lionel years ago, a big mistake that wasted a huge part of her youth; Edith simply did not want a repeat of history. So, as long as Cassandra was happy, she would no longer try to manipulate her decisions.

Cassandra had found a man that she loved the same way he loved her, and Edith was content in recognizing that fact.

Her child was a good lady that was worthy of living her own life, after all. If Cassandra was confident with Rufus, then she was of no position to refuse.

"Mom…"

The beginnings of sniffles broke Cassandra's steady voice as she was overtaken with emotion. She was rendered speechless, and her mother's approval meant much more to her than anything she could have perpetually desired.

"I know, dear. I know what you're thinking right now. I've got no plans of breaking you two apart, I just wish for you to live a life full of love."

hand to her daughter's face as the first roll of tears cascaded down her

phone ringing went unnoticed by the occupied pair but did capture Rufus's attention. She looked at the name on the screen and conspicuously excused herself out the area

"Cloris, I just heard from the people who were monitoring Cassandra's phone. They said that she's planning to give the USB with the newly revised bid document back today! You have to quickly think of a plan to get

imperceptible speech slurred slightly as he rushed to convey his concerns. The interference around Rufus's house made it exceedingly hard to monitor all calls going through Cassandra's phone. His team had faced difficulty

soon? But, aren't there a few

Cassandra so she would gain an easier access to the device she wanted to retrieve. Although, it might be futile with her damned sister giving away the files earlier than the aforementioned date.

might've stayed up finishing it. Anyway, just think of something! We'll never

paid off his intention to destroy the loathed business. He could not

what, he would not lose to Cassandra again.

it right, it would probably be in Cassandra's bag at the moment. However, the task would be a complicated one to perform, what with the presence of the three people back in

hand in consideration. It was an expensive and highly coveted item that Rufus bought for her

to even refuse such a grand gift despite her obvious hate for Cassandra. And so, it was with a forlorn soul when

around the strap, gritting her teeth as she tore the lining apart and grabbed

took a deep breath and returned to the studio. With a frown marring her features, she directed her false perturbation at Cassandra and said, "Sis, look! My bag is broken. How did this happen?! I've only used it for a few days!" She whined, extending the ruined article for emphasis, "It shouldn't be this fragile since it's from a famous

wrecked hem and hummed in agreement while Rufus assessed the scene with a careful, brooding stare