When They Beg, I Rise!

"Got it. After all, there are so many gold diggers out there these days, hiding your identity helps in developing a genuine connection! But, isn't my sister-in-law a bit too young? You into younger girls now?" Orion's tone was laced with impatience, "None of that's true. Drop it, and don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong. Got it?"

Matthew shrank a little, "Alright, I got it." Just a question, why get so heated?

After laying down the law, Orion finally spoke up again, "You thinking of inviting her to join the team?"

"Ah, crossed my mind, but I'm more interested in getting under Alaric's skin. The dude's all bark and no bite! Heard he doesn't get along with his sister, so thought I'd stir the pot."

"Wait till her exams are over before you pull any stunts. Don't do these things right now; it might influence her."

Once Orion hung up, Matthew wasted no time adding Lemira as a friend in the game, curious about what she meant to his brother.

He'd never seen his brother with a girl before. And definitely never seen him treat any girl this well!

A month flew by in no time.

Lemira watched the classroom countdown hit zero, and finally, the day had arrived. She was determined to correct the mistakes of her past, starting here.

After school, Lemira headed straight for the infirmary.

Thaddeus waved, "Lemon, big test tomorrow, feeling nervous?"

"Not really, more like looking forward to it."

in his lab coat, looking all stern and distant. But she knew Orion was one of the good

in her eyes; she was an open book to

calmly, "Good

"I'll need it."

smiled, "Guess I'll head out then,

from him. After all, aside from Orion, it

Lemira left, Thaddeus clicked his tongue, "Such a bright and polite protege makes me wish

eyes closed,

exams are done, you planning on

opened his eyes, a deep, unreadable look within them. Forever? He hadn't thought

---

The exams began.

sleep and woke up feeling

hall for breakfast. The

coughing weakly, looking like she hadn't fully recovered from her

was worried about Evelina, "You alright? Been a month and still

she got soaked in the

to ignore

tried to smooth things over, "Lucian, it's just me being weak, and then the rain

so hard on yourself. Just