A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 197

Rufus held Cassandra in his arms as they slowly danced to the music that had long stopped in the garden.

Cassandra didn't want anyone to see them so she tried to wriggle herself free but Rufus wouldn't budge.

"Why? Don't you want me to hold you?"

Rufus raised his eyebrows. He didn't want to let her go because having her in his arms was the best feeling in the world.

"No, I just don't want anyone to see us like this,"

Cassandra said in a low voice with a hint of shyness—something Rufus immediately picked up on as the look on his face softened.

This wasn't news to Rufus—he knew exactly what Cassandra was worried about. She was worried about what people might think of her if they found out that she was seeing Rufus, Lionel's big brother, just days after divorcing Lionel. And Rufus knew all about this from the very start.

Nothing could stand in the way of their love because for Rufus, all that mattered was that he was with her.

Cassandra loved him dearly but she was careful for fear that she might lose him.

How Cassandra wished she could spend every waking moment with Rufus but she had to hold herself back. Even when she'd miss him, she would just send a sly text message to him because she didn't want to disturb him.

She did love him but she was treading on thin ice; she was so careful to not say too much or do too much. This only made Rufus's heart ache.

He took the diamond ring with him everywhere he went. That night, the moon looked especially beautiful. Rufus, as he took in this fine weather and fine music, ran a palm over his pocket as he tried to take the ring out to surprise her.

He wanted to tell her that nothing else mattered—not the people that talked about them or what not—as long as they were together. If they were together, they could surpass anything.

"Cassandra, I want to tell you something,"

Rufus said, clearing his throat and looking at Cassandra softly.

"Yes? What is it?"

Cassandra avoided his gaze.

The repulsive odor of the nearby made people feel dizzy. The sound of those insects buzzing from the hall filled the air.

It was like they were the only two people in the world. To Rufus and Cassandra, no one else was around and it was just the two of them. Cassandra could feel her heart beat quickening in her chest.

But...

"Rufus, hurry up and come in, it's starting!"

Suddenly, the sound of Amanda's high-pitched voice filled their ears. She was calling for Rufus.

"Are you done smoking yet? Hurry up! They're about to announce the spokesman!"

Amanda feigned confusion like she didn't see them so she just turned around and went back in. Meanwhile, Rufus and Cassandra both froze due to the sudden molestation.

After a few moments of silence, Cassandra finally spoke.

"Go ahead, that's business. This is a commercial ball after all,"

Cassandra said, twisting her face into almost a grimace. If she had her way, things wouldn't end up this way but it wasn't like there was anything she could do.

'Smoking? He told Amanda he went out to smoke? Why couldn't he tell Amanda he was going out to see me?' Cassandra asked herself in silence.

Well, she could be likened to a cigarette—burning herself until she's on fire. When the cigarette was burned out, all would be left was smoke and the cigarette butt. However, smoke disappeared and cigarette butts got thrown into trash eventually.

'Cassandra, you're acting stupid! He just hands you a lighter and you just take it like you can't wait to set everything on fire!" she reprimanded herself in her mind.

When he saw the look on Cassandra's face, Rufus suddenly decided against saying what he was going to say.

"Wait for me in the Garden Villa. I'll tell you then."

Then Rufus left and went back into the hall. He recalled how Amanda had told him that he was going to be the spokesman but he was done being told what to do.

Cassandra didn't move. She remained frozen under the tree just watching Rufus until he disappeared in the shadows. 'Wow, he left just like that, ' Cassandra thought to herself as a bitter smile formed on her lips.

'A man doesn't stay for a cigarette that's already been smoked.'

She lifted her long dress as she slowly made her way back to the hall.

The mayor was already on the side of the stage. He was going to announce the spokesman of the tourism district who would be accompany Amanda. He held the envelope containing the name of the spokesman in his hands—the spokesman was chosen by officials of the government via a voting system. Everyone took a collective breath waiting for the mayor to open the envelope.

As soon as he saw Amanda, Rufus went to her right away. He pulled her aside as he donned a cold look on his face.

"Stop this. I don't want to do this. I don't want to be the spokesman,"