A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 213

Cassandra dashed to open the door, excited to hear a familiar voice.

Finally, he was back. Dylon had returned after the disaster relief mission, looking a lot leaner and darker than before. He must have endured great difficulties.

"I've brought you food. Want some?" asked Dylon.

His hands were loaded with parcels, like a pack horse carrying essentials for a team up Mount Everest. A bright smile was drawn on his face, as he motioned by raising his hands high.

"Sure, I would love to! This is such a wonderful surprise and you come bearing gifts. How good to see you, dear friend! You are so thoughtful. I haven't had dinner yet."

Cassandra was so delighted to see Dylon safe. Hurriedly, she gestured Dylon to come in. She felt so emotional at seeing him that her eyes welled up.

Dylon had arranged a room for her in this apartment building, below his, so that she didn't need to stay at hotels, which would have been expensive and inconvenient.

"When did you get back?"

Cassandra jovially asked, as she began opening packages. The grilled corn captured her attention, making her mouth water. Quickly, she bit into it. "Oh wow, this is so delicious!" Cassandra stated as juice dribbled down the corner of her mouth.

"I just got back this morning. I took a shower and had lunch with my parents. Then I immediately came to you. That's what good friends should do, right?"

He beamed as he spoke to Cassandra in a cheerful tone, but the fatigue in his eyes was too much to hide.

"You should have had a good rest at home first. I'm so honored to have you here," Cassandra said jokingly.

She was so excited seeing Dylon again; her face formed a fixed smile.

"You did a lot for the rescue team and medical team in A City. This is a small gesture to say thank you for all you've done. I haven't had a chance until now to express my gratitude."

His eyes showed sincerity and a warm smile poured out his appreciation.

"If not for the issues in the company, I wouldn't have been back so early." Cassandra shrugged. "It must be exhausting engaging in full-time relief work."

Company business kept forcing her back to G City. She regretted not being able to volunteer as much and save lives in A City.

"Cassandra why did you move?" Dylon asked with a frown on his face. "Did you have a dispute or fall out with Rufus?" he asked abruptly.

Dylon wasn't here only to thank Cassandra, but to know her motive for moving. Although Cassandra smiled, he could tell there were hints of sadness behind her smile and a perplexed look in her stunning eyes.

Lowering her head, she carried on chewing the corn but remained silent. The corn, had lost all appeal the moment she heard Rufus's name.

"'Is it because of me? Did I cause any trouble between the two of you, by announcing that you are my girlfriend?" Dylon was concerned. "Would you like me to explain to him?" he tried to prompt an answer.

Dylon didn't want anything to impair Cassandra's happiness because of him.

"It's nothing like that. I feel more comfortable staying closer to my company and need to have some time to focus on problem solving. So stop jumping to conclusions," Cassandra retorted.

She felt so agitated that she just wanted a way out of this discussion. She didn't feel like scratching it all up again, not now.

"Cassandra, do you know that you roll your eyes every time you feel irritated." Dylon exaggerated the eye rolling. "So just tell me the truth. I can help you. I am the person who you always run into when you are lost, remember?" Dylon goaded.

It seemed the words had no effect on her mood. The smile from Cassandra was stiff and unconvincing.

"Cassandra, I know it has been very hard for you and Rufus to be together. I just hope that the two of you will make a good couple. If there is anything I can help with, I will do my best." Dylon had been such a good, supportive friend.

His eyes were brimmed with sincerity when he offered his help. He could see there was a lot that piled up since they last spoke and she was having difficulty processing it all.

The hearty words almost lured Cassandra's tears out. She was so fragile and her emotions were so sensitive when it came to Rufus. However, when it came to work, she could withstand all the hardship and trouble.

How could she express the situation to Dylon? Should she say that Rufus and Amanda had something? Her life had become compacted with other relationships. Despite Rufus loving her, how long could he resist the conquest of a young irresistible woman's charms? Regardless of his values, he was a man. Should she say that Rufus had left her several times, to run after Amanda? The slightest thing, Amanda would phone for. He felt obliged to help her and would never turn her down. But as for her, he never gave any explainations of what and why he did anything. To avoid all that discussion maybe she should say their relationship was not as stable as it seemed.

As confused as she was, Cassandra didn't want others to worry about her. If she had constantly been burdening her friends, she wouldn't have any left.

"It's no big deal. Rufus and I are both adults. We know what we are doing. It would be best if we can be hand in hand till the end. But even if we can't make it, we won't blame each other," stated Cassandra.

She sneezed hard, then rubbed her eyes to try to hold back her tears. She didn't' want Dylon to see her emotionally weak side.

What she didn't know was, the more she tried to hide her emotions, the more Dylon felt sorry for her.

"Cassandra, sometimes you are just too stubborn. It may be better for you to give in sometimes and allow him to lead and look after you," suggested Dylon.