A Graduation Gift

No! That could not happen! She was not going to allow it!
"Clark, what the hell do you want?"
she asked with her voice shaking. Clark's motive was a puzzle to her.
"I just want to marry you,"
Clark replied with a carefree smile on his face. He stared at Amanda like a snake wooing his prey.
"But I know you don't love me,"
Amanda replied. She could not understand why Clark would want to marry her. This was a torture for her. Her freedom was
something that she held at a high importance.
"I just need us to get married. I won't even touch you,"
Clark shrugged as he took two steps back. Now, his intentions were clear.
Amanda stared at Clark with a face full of disbelief.
'Why does he want to do that?' she couldn't help but wonder. It didn't make sense. His words only made her more and more
confused.
"I swear. I won't touch you anymore as long as you agree to marry me. Think about it. Do you want to get married with me then
get a happy divorce in a few years, or do you want your naked photos to be seen by the whole world?"
Clark's tone was calm, but his threat was clear.
Amanda looked at Clark miserably. Neither option appealed to her.
Besides, she knew how bad Clark could be. She knew what he was capable of. Ignoring his threat would mean that he would do
everything to make her life a living hell again
Saying yes, though...
Amanda closed her eyes and bit her lip as she thought about the consequences.

If she agreed to marry Clark, she at least had the option to divorce him after a couple of years. This would only make her an
unlucky, divorced woman. This was way better than being branded a slut.
"Can you promise that you won't touch me and that you will allow me to get a divorce in a few years?"
Amanda asked as she slowly opened her eyes. She was cornered and defeated.
"Yes, I can promise you that, don't worry. I can even sign an agreement with you if you don't trust me. We will divorce after two
years and I will not be in touch ever again,"
Clark promised and added to ease her suspicion. Besides, he was quite sure that two years would be enough for him to get rid of
Rufus.
"Then, my photos..." she faltered.
This was what worried her the most.
"I will give you the source file after two years,"
Clark said simply. He was much more serious now.
Amanda studied Clark's face carefully with fearful eyes. She inspected every crease on his skin to find a hint of a lie.
Clark merely smiled. He then took out a document. This was something he already prepared before coming as he was sure that
Amanda would agree. What else could she do, anyway?
"Just sign it. I have already had a lawyer to look it through."
Amanda picked up the document and started to read. All the things Clark promised to her just now were on it. This made
Amanda's heart stir.
It was the only viable option for her. Two years for lifelong freedom and a good reputation sounded like a great bargain.
She was tired of always worrying about herself and living in fear.
"My offer is only available today. If you don't sign this now, I will ask them to post your naked photos tomorrow,"
Clark threatened her again, making Amanda look up at him with panic on her face.

"I will sign it right now!"
With these words, she picked up a pen and signed her name on the document. Despite her shaking hand, she managed to affix
her signature.
The corners of Clark's lips lifted into a victorious smile as Amanda scribbled her name on the dotted line.
Now, Rufus had no one else to help him anymore. He was sure that Charlie would rather help his son-in-law than an outsider of
his family!
Thick snow covered the ground outside. It had been snowing heavily for days.
Cassandra sat in the warm study room, drawing.
The branches of the tree on her work were covered with snow, hanging low because of the weight.
Under the tree, amidst the snow, a girl slowly walked.
She looked forward, uninterested with everything else around her. She was sure of herself, not even slightly worried. A smile
spread across her face. She was clearly delighted.
She held her hands out to catch the snowflakes. The fallen pieces of ice shone in her hands, lighting up her joyful face.
The corners of Cassandra's lips couldn't help but curl into a happy smile as she drew.
Then, the door of the study room opened and Rufus walked in. He thought that she was browsing the web in this room. He didn't
expect that she was drawing.
He walked quietly towards the desk as to not disturb her, and stopped to stand behind her. The sight of her concentration filled
him with joy.
The painting seemed to draw him in. It had a certain charm to it that could get anyone's attention. Seeing the little girl and her
red dress in the snow made Rufus smile too.
Cassandra put her paint brush down and looked at Rufus who concentrated on the painting in front of him.
"It's just a fun hobby,"

Cassandra said shyly. She didn't know why she was constantly shy in front of Rufus. She was not a professional painter, and she
didn't think her paintings were that good.
"That's all right. It's good to have a hobby,"
he replied with a soft smile as he looked at Cassandra with adoring eyes.
"Do you want to be a professional painter?"
Rufus asked. This startled Cassandra a bit.
That was something that Clark also suggested before, but she refused. Now that Rufus brought it up, Cassandra hesitated.
"Do you think I will ever be a famous painter?"
Cassandra asked, doubting her abilities.
"Why do you have to be a famous painter? Isn't it enough to be doing something that you love?"
Rufus raised his eyebrows as he locked eyes with her.