When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira was caught off guard by the principal's remarks. She hadn't expected this topic to come up again.

She glanced across at Alaric and Evelina, her expression as calm as a serene lake.

But Alaric's face turned awkward. It used to be Lemira who would chase after him, never putting him in a tight spot. He, being the overprotective brother, was not used to being put on the spot. Now, asking him to apologize was more torturous than pulling teeth.

Evelina quickly chimed in, "Lemmy, when did you become so good? Sneaking in those study sessions at home, and we had no clue. You were suspected of cheating for your stellar performance, and Alaric was here at the crack of dawn to back you up. He really does care about you."

Evelina's attempt to smooth things over gave Alaric a way out, and he responded coolly, "Eve, stop. She'll never understand."

Alaric's approval of Evelina's behavior seemed to satisfy him. That was how a sister should act, he thought.

Lemira, with a half-smile, looked at them, "Oh yes, Alaric was here right away. And then what? Telling the teachers I indeed cheated, forcing my head down to write a confession, apologizing in front of the whole school. Such kindness - would you want it?" Evelina was at a loss for words.

Alaric, red with anger, retorted, "Lemira, it's your fault for secretly working hard and not telling us, leading me to misunderstand. Yes, your grades improved, but was this charade really necessary?"

The principal intervened, turning to the teacher, "Who was the first to accuse Lemira of cheating? Bring them here to apologize."

teacher immediately summoned two sidekicks of

had cheated, smugly said, "We told you Lemira only got good grades because she

that Lemira did not cheat. You two owe her an

sidekicks' faces. Lemira hadn't cheated? How

told you earlier not to spread rumors. Now,

Evelina washed her hands of any

"Sorry, we were wrong

teacher then asked Lemira, "Do you have

shook her head,

teacher, pleased, mentioned, "Lemira has been working very hard lately. However, Evelina, your grades have taken

felt humiliated, especially given Lemira's success, it felt like a slap in the face. Eyes red, Evelina responded, "I...I just got sidetracked. It

too, "What's the use of good grades? Making a name for yourself in gaming, becoming famous, and

expecting such a response from a family, and looked at Evelina, "You

lips harshly, turned and stormed out

front of Evelina? She's just