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.

arms, clinging tightly to his shirt. Lemira wished she could disappear into

girl pressing against

create distance. But

seemed like

pressed together, was surprised by her actions. The

in time to see Lucian return to the private room, breathing a sigh of

practically on her tiptoes, and he had to lean down to let her arms reach around his

and why she seemed

at him in surprise, "I

that was why she threw her into his arms without thinking it through. With anyone else, she couldn't imagine doing the same. Probably not.

for doing well on my exams," Lemira

him with a beautiful

voice was even, "Tenth place, not

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

had doubted her ranking