A Graduation Gift

With her back against the wall of the bathroom, Cassandra's heart thumped inside her chest. Her breath quickened and she felt nervous but also secretly pleased that Rufus had decided to call her. She didn't know what was happening right now or why she felt this way. She just knew that she was happy that Rufus wanted to see her. At the same time, she also felt a tinge of guilt because she had no idea where this would lead them. She knew she shouldn't do this but she just couldn't help herself. It was as if Rufus was a magnet and she was a helpless ferrous damsel that was being drawn towards him.

After a few moments, she opened her eyes and gently bit down on her lower lip in an effort to make up her mind. She resolutely walked out of the bathroom into the bedroom that she shared with Cloris. Cloris looked up and saw the nervousness on her sister's face and broke into a knowing smile. She assumed that the call had been from her brother-in-law. 'They really were a sweet couple, ' she mused innocently.

"Sis, did he ask you to go and meet him? I am really sorry that I've interrupted you two,"

Cloris teased her sister. In spite of being young, Cloris was not ignorant about the ways between husband and wife. It was normal for couples to want to be with each other all the time. Though she herself was not in a relationship right now, she could understand the feeling. Cassandra's face burnt in embarrassment when she heard her sister's words. She lowered her head and touched her flaming face then murmured shyly, "Cloris, I am going out for a while. Go to sleep. Don't wait for me, please."

Cloris nodded then waved at Cassandra urging her to go out and have fun. The teasing smile remained on her face the whole time.

"I know, I know. Don't worry about me. Just go have 'FUN' with my brother-in-law!"

Cloris stressed the word 'fun' with a smirk, making Cassandra's face burn even hotter. She panicked momentarily but said nothing in the end. She just nodded her head and hurriedly walked out the door, clutching her phone tightly in her hand.

Only when she had walked out and closed the door behind her could Cassandra breathe in relief. She didn't like lying to her family, especially about something so overwhelming. At the moment, she just couldn't care less. Her steps became lighter and her paces quickened. She didn't know why but she felt so happy all of a sudden. She had been wanting to see Rufus too.

The gentle fragrance of the yellow flowers blooming in the small back yard made her want to know the name of the flower. Frankly, she had never even noticed them before. Perhaps it was because she was in such high spirits that even the smallest thing delighted her. She was in love. This was something that she had never thought would happen to her because she had already accepted her fate when she got married four years ago. Her heart had awakened and suddenly, she felt the bittersweet taste of love.

Under the dim streetlight stood a tall man. The light shone down on him, forming a halo around his shoulders. He looked pure and graceful like an angel. Clearly, he was waiting for someone. And one could tell that he had been waiting for a good while.

Cassandra quickened her steps and stopped in front of him. She had rushed all the way here so she was a little out of breath. Their eyes locked and it seemed as if time had suddenly stopped around the two of them.

Neither of them opened their mouths to talk at first. Instantly, Rufus walked up to her and before she could say anything, he put his lips on hers, swallowing the words she wanted to say.

It felt like both of them had been waiting for this moment for too long.

Cassandra closed her eyes because of his sudden move. But slowly, she opened her eyes and looked at Rufus' face. He was really handsome and made her heart beat faster whenever their eyes met. Her heart was enmeshed in a warm feeling. A sudden realization struck her hard.

She was aware that she liked the man who was standing in front of her. Maybe she was even in love with him.

"Cassandra, be my woman,"

after the kiss, Rufus sighed and whispered in her ears. His words made Cassandra's eyes widen in shock. She couldn't believe her ears.

hear that

me...to be

really just ask

speak. She needed a minute to register what had just happened. First, she came out to meet Rufus after the call. Then he kissed her without saying anything. Now he asked her to be his woman! Her breath quickened loudly in the quiet night. Rufus was staring at her pretty face with adoration. His eyes were brown, like the color of whisky. Cassandra could really be drowning in his loving

he had just said. He was

who was standing in front of him right now. No matter what he did, he just couldn't get her out of his mind. And that was when he realized that he was serious about her. Cassandra's power over him

to spoil her, protect

to meet a woman who could steal his heart. In the beginning, he just thought that what they had had before was a one-night stand, nothing special about it. But as he got to know her more, he was slowly drawn

and be

shocked face, the corners of his lips slowly curled into a smirk. He was aware

the arms of the man she liked. Smelling the familiar scent of him, seeing the smile on his face, hearing his words, she felt like she was in a dream. She didn't

dream that forever floated

her back. What were the chances of becoming Rufus's woman, being with the man she liked and being liked in return.

about both their families? Maybe it was just wishful thinking after all. This dream could never

him to see the tears in her eyes. She didn't dare look into eyes. She was afraid that he would see right through her. And

of your brother. And we are in the

tone was firm. She reminded Rufus of their relationship and that both their families were present. It was a warning to him and also to herself. She also reminded herself not to do anything

her chin and raised her head. He forced her to look into his eyes, and interrupted her sharply, "Cut it

want him? Rufus looked at the woman standing in front

she felt that she was such a hypocrite. What was she doing, saying those pious words? It was she who wanted to get closer to him and get to know him better. And it was also she who had kissed him in her weak moment. But now, when he returned her feelings and wanted to be with her,

stop being so selfish.

said yes to Rufus and to be with him, her family would surely face the consequences. What

betrayed him and got together with his sister-in-law; how ridiculous! If she really did

lose the rest of his family. She just couldn't do it. No matter how much Rufus claimed to

of alcohol is pretty normal, isn't it? Especially when we didn't know about each other's identity. Well, now that you have brought it up, let me be straightforward. Rufus, I will not be your woman. It will never happen. I don't love you

something ridiculous. She deliberately painted an infuriating smile on her face. She looked so innocent but the look on her face

of masking his feelings. But now, after hearing this woman's refusal, his face hardened and a deep frown appeared on his face. His hand that was still grabbing her chin tightened unconsciously.

promised me that you would never bring up the thing in Rome again. So please, just let me go. There are