When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira stood before him, just inches away. Orion avoided her gaze, "Not exactly."

"So, it's not official?"

His response was vague, "Something like that."

Lemira's heart sank as she heard his admission. It's true then. She had even thought, perhaps Orion was making it up to avoid being set up by Lucian with some girl. Gathering her strength, she asked, "Is it the girl you were with at the restaurant?"

She had seen them once, Orion and a girl dining out together. She hadn't gotten a good look at the girl, just that she was tall and likely very attractive.

Orion's Adam's apple bobbed, "Didn't peg you for the gossip type."

"Just curious. You said you were single before, and suddenly there's news. Can't I ask?"

Lemira's words didn't completely match her feelings.

At that moment, Lucian wheeled out after the examination, looking quite pale.

Seeing Lucian like this, she said with an unfamiliar coldness, "The doctor said you need to start treatment, take your medication on time, and lay off the booze."

"Look at my memory, always forgetting. When you were around, you'd remind me to take my meds. Now that you're not home, I often forget."

hidden meanings, and he could see that there was still a soft spot for him in Lemira's heart. If his illness could bring her back, he'd rather stay sick

of sarcasm was played on Lemira's lips, "You could ask Evelina to remind you. She seems quite fond of doing that

those nutritious dish you used to make were really effective, but only you know how to make them. I know you've done a lot for me in the

implying but refused to engage further. She looked at Lucian,

you come to see me again?" Lucian's voice

a twinge of softness but remembered seeing Evelina here last time. She

in the hospital. Lucian watched her go,

Ms. Langston probably

back his

QUMS

and difficult road

---

apartment, and Thaddeus rushed ahead,

walked behind. She glanced over, "Can't believe that's Thaddeus' company?

stepped into the elevator together, Lemira, feeling agitated, noticed their reflections

the alcohol on him,

his gaze intense,

seeing. The