When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira glanced at Orion sitting beside her, feeling the temperature on her face skyrocket in seconds. She stuttered, "You got it wrong. He's not my boyfriend."

The owner chuckled, "I know, you young folks always say that. But he's quite a looker, isn't he?"

Blushing, Lemira returned to her seat, then Orion looked up, "What did the boss say?"

"Nothing, is there anything you'd like to eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

Orion wasn't much for the local fare. He noticed the owner had brought over a bowl of peanuts and a couple of cans of beer.

He frowned at Lemira, "Kids shouldn't drink beer."

"I'm of age, why can't I?"

Lemira felt she had every reason to celebrate today, having finally signed a contract with PixelStage, marking her financial independence. Orion moved the beer in front of her to his side, "No."

Lemira felt somewhat deflated.

Then, Orion's phone rang, and he stood up, "I'll take this call."

Watching his retreating figure, Lemira sneakily grabbed the beer.

If he said she couldn't drink, she was all the more determined to do so.

roadside, answering the call, "Hello,

up things in Lyria

"Almost there."

It's about time we discuss your engagement with Ms.

hardened as he looked at the long shadows on the street, his tone chilly, "Let's talk when I get back. Focus on getting better

is a fine young woman, and she's been quite considerate, keeping me company while you're away. Since you don't have someone

Orion's expression turned colder,

lips

his

should

soothing his mother for a

swno.ne

phone and sent a message:

stood still, a solitary

to Lemira, he

as he walked over, "Who said you

beer was taken from Lemira's hand, and she tilted her head to

several empty cans on the table, it was clear

quietly, "check,

seemed to enjoy

her," the owner commented, noticing