A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 46

Cassandra's heart pounded as she saw the silhouette of people waiting for her, their features becoming more and more distinct as the car came near the entrance. Her eyes found her mother's, and she almost leapt out of the car as soon as it came to a halt. She ran to Edith and wrapped her in her arms. "Mother," she said in an almost choked voice. Her joy was unexplainable as she felt her mother's own arms gather her. She took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent lull her.

It was a very warm reunion. The other members of the Qin family had gathered together to welcome Cassandra, their delight for her return was evident on the bright smiles on their faces. Vernon, however, stood silently on one side as if it was nothing special, even if he hadn't seen his own daughter for so many years.

Standing next to Vernon was a woman who had a face that was strikingly similar to Cassandra's. They had the same bright eyes and high nose, but she wore her hair in a chin-length bob, giving her a doll-like look.

That was Cloris, who was a spitting image of her older sister. However, her attention was pulled away from Cassandra to the handsome stranger who came with her.

He was standing silently behind her, tall, and handsome. It was impossible not to notice him, despite his quietness. And although Cloris wasn't familiar with her brother-in-law, she knew that the man behind Cassandra was not him.

Turning to her sister, she greeted her warmly and took her hand. "Cassandra, you came home. Finally! We have all missed you so much. Who is the handsome man behind you?"

she asked enthusiastically.

Cassandra nodded her head at her father and greeted him politely. Cloris and she did not grow up together, as they lived in different places, but she was glad for her warm welcome. As if in response to her question, she turned around and met Rufus' eyes. It was as if the world stopped for a split-second as they smiled at each other at the same time. Before she could speak, Vernon said with his heavy voice, "Alright, let's go inside."

Upon that, Edith grabbed her daughter's hand and walked inside. Bright voices filled the air as the family laughed and talked on the way back to the mansion.

Everyone settled in the living room with some hot tea and biscuits on the table. Amidst the conversations, Vernon stared at Rufus who was sitting across from him.

"I have heard a lot of things about you, Mr. Luo. We are very much impressed by your achievements in the Tang Group… Thank you for accompanying Cassandra here today."

The courtesy Vernon showed in his words was devoid of any warmth, as if he was keeping a distance between them.

"My pleasure, Mr. Qin. Besides, it was my father who asked me to do so,"

Rufus replied, choosing his words wisely. He understood the cause of Vermon's actions, and picked up on the silent question that belied his uncharacteristic civility, as everyone else in the room might be thinking the same thing. For it was he, not Lionel, Cassandra's husband, who was with her today.

"Father, Rufus takes care of me a lot, whether it is in the company, or at home. Therefore…"

Cassandra found herself explaining, but hesitantly her words trailed off. She caught a weird feeling and decided against elaborating their connection.

"Lionel must be very busy lately,"

Vernon said after a pause. He coughed looking meaningfully at Cassandra.

"Well…I guess so."

In fact, Cassandra knew nothing about Lionel's work, not to mention whether he was busy or not.

"I see. Now I understand why he didn't come home with you and asked Mr. Luo instead. That's alright. Men should focus on their career,"

Vernon continued, his voice laced with disappointment despite his unchanged expression.

"Father," Cloris interjected, glancing at Rufus, "I think Mr. Luo is as good as his brother. Hello, Mr. Luo. I'm Cloris, Cassandra's sister."

Compared to Vernon, Cloris was much more welcoming in her treatment of the man who came with her sister. She put her hands around Vernon's neck, acting like a spoiled child. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on Rufus the moment he stepped in the mansion.

Vernon remained silent since his favorite daughter had made a statement. Seeing how her father treated Cloris brought a sting in Cassandra's chest. He was visibly enamored by her, and Cloris knew it too, from the way she so easily persuaded him, as if it was something ordinary and familiar. Cassandra lowered her head and pulled her eyes away from the two of them as she struggled against the ache that grew inside her.

As memory of childhood came to her mind, she remembered that she had never had such interactions with her father. The two of them were more like strangers than father and daughter. In Cassandra's impression, Vernon was someone who was always serious. It was only now that she saw him display such emotions, when she found herself looking at the two of them and noticed the disparity between the way he treated her and her sister.

He had never looked at her so tenderly before.

"Dinner is ready. I bet the two of you are hungry after such a long journey. Should we go to the dining room?"

Edith said, pulling Cassandra away from her thoguhts. Her gentle voice was comforting and Cassandra felt some of the pain dissipate with her mother's voice.

They all headed to the dining room. Rufus stood up and looked at Cassandra, his chest tighten as he watched her expression.