A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 202

Other women in the same situation would've taken advantage of a wealthy man and manipulated him into spending large amounts of money. Cassandra never used his money and kept turning him down when he wanted to buy her expensive gifts. She even became adamant in splitting the bills and grocery costs when they shopped at the supermarket.

No one but Rufus knew that Cassandra was self-contained, sensitive, stubborn and persevering.

Amanda felt her heart fragmented. She regretted asking Rufus such questions. The last question he asked her stayed unanswered.

Feeling humiliated and categorized as one of the rest, Amanda saw what Rufus spoke about Cassandra. She was stunningly beautiful and stood on a level of her own. She looked flawless, as he had made her out to be. How could she compete with this?

"Rufus, can you stay with me tonight, please? My dad won't be here until tomorrow. I know I'll be afraid to be alone in the ward," Amanda asked, while batting her eyelashes.

Amanda's pleading in a weak, croaky voice made him feel protective towards her.

Rufus looked at Amanda, giving off a barely audible sigh.

If she didn't force him hysterically back in the day, he would think she was still as glamorous as before.

Rufus hesitated for a moment, before accepting her so called harmless request. 'Men are so gullible, ' Amanda thought.

"Get some rest. I'm here with you."

His mannerism relaxed Amanda, and she felt safe and content by his side. She wanted to spend the little time they had together, but the effects of the medication had become contrary to her wishes. As she fought the sleep, drowsiness stole her moment with the one man she longed for.

Amanda buried her face in the hospital blanket, closed her eyes, and soon breathed deeply and evenly.

She held tightly onto Rufus's hand, and was reluctant to let go as the sleep took hold of her.

Rufus looked at her fatherly as an older brother who would protect his sister.

'I'll watch over her and comfort her by making her feel safe. After Charlie comes, I can leave, ' he thought. Rufus longed to be with Cassandra. Just lying next to her was enough. He had missed her and was looking forward to his time with her. Never had he felt like this for anyone.

Charlie had done so much for him back in the Dark Night Group, taking such good care of him. Helping out his daughter should be the least Rufus could do.

Rufus stayed next to Amanda's bed, watching over her until the morning came.

People began to scurry around in the corridor. The hustle and bustle of seeing to people's needs had begun. Rufus looked at his watch; it was already 6 AM. Charlie would probably be here soon.

Rufus stood up and had a good stretch. Amanda slept soundly. He knew she was okay, so he turned and walked out of the ward.

As soon as Rufus shut the door quietly, Amanda opened her eyes.

She stared toward the door. It was disappointing that she didn't spend the time she wanted with him. She had to think of other ways to hold his attention.

No water's enough when you have crossed the sea; no cloud is beautiful but that which crowns the peak.

Amanda knew she stood no chance. She was in love with Rufus, so she couldn't have feelings for anyone else, even when she tried. Unfortunately, Rufus didn't share her feelings. He didn't love her.

After they parted as friends, Rufus managed to move on easily, but she never did.

'How could he just walk away from the past and be madly in love with another woman?' Amanda thought sadly, her mind filling with rancor.

Rufus's continual praise prompted her resentment towards Cassandra. 'Why do you have to be so perfect?' she thought resentfully.

Rufus raced back to the Garden Villa. Cassandra was nowhere to be found.

The bed not slept in was cold to the touch. His heart had a sinking feeling. He wondered where she was.

Not a sound could be heard in the large villa. Rufus searched every room quickly. There wasn't a sign of Cassandra anywhere.

He felt a little anxious about the disappearance of Cassandra. His heart pounded. 'Where does she go? Surely she would have let me know if she had to leave. Hope she's okay, ' he thought. Just as he was about to loose all hope, he found her bag with her cell phone and keys in it.

Finally, Rufus found her on the rooftop of the villa. She sat on the edge, her feet dangling in mid-air. His heart leaped at the sight of her.

Cassandra clenched the unicorn she was given at a young age and looked at the sky overhead.

The rising sun shone her lonely back. Her loneliness was tangible.

Rufus was relieved to see her, but felt nervous.

He gingerly approached her, holding his breath and tiptoeing, as though walking on thin ice. He reached for her and held her tightly against him in his arms.

Cassandra must have been sitting here for a long time. Her body shivered and she was ice cold.

Rufus could finally breathe as he held her, but he wondered why she sat out in the cold like this.

"Cassandra, what are you doing up here?"

Rufus said in a wavering voice. He didn't know why Cassandra sat here. It disturbed him.

She frowned at him, as though she was in a bad mood.

She ignored him and gazed off into space, a faraway look in her eyes.

She didn't ask why he left for so long or tell him she missed him. She just glanced at him and turned away to look at the sky again.

"Cassandra…"

Rufus clutched her to him. There was an aching void in his heart, an empty feeling, even with her in his arms.

She was frozen and needed him. Last night, he kept thinking about her the entire night as he sat next to Amanda in the ward.

Did Cassandra also think about him sitting on the rooftop?

Cassandra clenched her eyes, and then opened them again, turning her gaze back gradually.

She curled up her lips and said something Rufus didn't quite make out, "You know what? I've had times like this before, sitting on the rooftop all night against the wind and planning...to jump down at dawn."