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.

herself into Orion's arms, clinging tightly to his shirt. Lemira wished she could disappear

aback, looked down at the girl pressing against him, her sweet

But as he moved, she wrapped her arms around

like a couple deeply

was surprised by her actions. The usually composed man was at

just in time to see Lucian return

how tall Orion was. She was practically on her tiptoes, and he had to lean down to let her arms reach around his neck.

why she seemed down. His voice teasing, "Any guy would do

him in surprise, "I guess

she threw her into his arms without thinking it through. With anyone else, she couldn't imagine doing the same. Probably not. Orion felt slightly better with her answer, "Here with them to

exams," Lemira

him, recalling seeing him with a beautiful woman earlier. Now,

even, "Tenth place, not

a twinge of pride, "It's okay. Now I might have a shot at getting into Orvin

had doubted her ranking