When They Beg, I Rise!

Lucian dialed Lemira's number, but got no answer. He quickly texted. [Lemmy, where are you?]

Lemira glanced at her phone, stood up, and walked out of the restroom stall. At the sink, she looked at her reflection, her eyes slightly reddened.

Despite countless resolutions to not let the Langstons get to her again, Asher's words still stung. Lemira splashed her face with cold water, just one more month, and she wouldn't have to endure any longer. Leaving the restroom, she planned to take the elevator out of the restaurant.

"Why are you here?"

Lemira looked up to find Orion, and in a fluster, she lowered her head, "Came to grab a bite."

Her voice was hoarse. Orion stepped closer, "Been crying?"

Something in her voice suggested she had been crying.

Lemira instinctively denied, "No."

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Lucian stepped out.

clinging tightly to his shirt. Lemira wished she could disappear

girl pressing against him,

to create distance. But as

seemed like a

by her actions. The usually composed man was

Lucian return

let her arms reach

squinted, guessing why she was there and why she seemed down. His voice teasing, "Any guy would do as

him in surprise, "I

it through. With anyone else, she couldn't imagine

my exams," Lemira said with a touch

a glance at him, recalling seeing him with a beautiful woman earlier. Now, why was

voice was even,

pride, "It's okay. Now I might have a shot

had doubted her