When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira's face was a shade darker than usual. She had a hunch this was going to happen.

"Lemmy, I'm your guardian, not that school doctor. The school's already buzzing with rumors. I can have you stay home to prepare for your exams."

Lemira's eyelids drooped, masking her flash of anger. Her voice came out hoarse, "So this is what you meant by not letting me feel wronged?"Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Lucian felt helpless, "I'm doing all this for your own good! Family squabbles are nothing serious. Can't we just resolve it peacefully? Running away from home just to force our hand?" That same line again, "for your own good"? Then why, in her past life, was she abandoned and met such a tragic end!

Lemira marched ahead, her sole motivation now the countdown to her exams. She couldn't trouble Orion, although today had gone smoothly. But if Lucian got serious, that could change. Once she's in the car, she texted Orion. [Heading home now, catch up later.]

Seeing her get in the car, Lucian finally relaxed.

It seemed Lemira was indeed just throwing a tantrum. He had shown a bit of weakness today, and she had taken the bait. Looked like he needed to show more care towards Lemira in the future, to avoid her feeling neglected compared to Evelina.

Back at the Langston residence, Lemira got out of the car first, ignoring everyone else.

Lucian watched her go, sighing in resignation.

Evelina, struggling to get out of the car with a teddy bear in her arms, said, "Lucian, I'm sure Lemmy will understand your intentions eventually."

Catching sight of Evelina's docile look with her teddy bear, he couldn't help but respond, "If only she could be as understanding and well-behaved as you, I'd be over the moon." Evelina looked down, her expression the picture of obedience.

---

At dinner, Alaric was nowhere to be seen; only Lucian and Evelina were present.

Lemira quietly finished her meal, planning to retreat to her room. She noticed Lucian clutching his stomach, seeming uncomfortable.

She knew Lucian had always had a weak stomach, needing constant care and medication. But in her past life, despite her diligent care, she couldn't compare to a simple bowl of soup Evelina made. She'd never forget how Lucian had discarded her nutritious meal for Evelina's soup, his face alight with gratitude.

Determined, Lemira pretended not to see and left the dining room.

Upon her departure, Lucian watched her go, a sense of loss in his heart. Previously, any sign of discomfort from him would have had Lemira fussing over him in concern.

He bore the pain, assuming Lemira no longer concerned about him. It felt as if his heart had been slashed, and he too left the dining room, his steps unsteady.

Evelina remained in the dining room, sensing a shift in Lucian's attitude towards her. This wouldn't do; she needed to find a way to mend fences.

Back in her room, Lemira thought of Lucian's evident pain. She forced herself not to overthink. Lucian didn't need her concern, not with Evelina's soup at his disposal. Pulling out her phone, she messaged Orion. [Did my brother give you a hard time at school today?]

The next second, Orion called, his voice cool, "I brought out evidence of their bullying and had a lawyer present. What could go wrong?"

Lemira chuckled, no wonder Alaric had been sent away.

"Kid, if they bully you again, I'll come get you right away."

Biting her lip, Lemira asked, "Why are you so good to me?" She regretted the question immediately.