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."

soft spot for him in Lemira's heart. If his illness could bring her back, he'd

could ask Evelina to remind you. She seems quite

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 past, and it's my fault." "But that's not

refused to engage further. She looked at Lucian, "Just focus on your treatment.

again?"

a twinge of softness but remembered seeing Evelina here last time. She calmly refused, "We'll

lingering in the hospital. Lucian watched her go, then

Langston probably didn't

his

QUMS

difficult road for the

---

ahead, "I gotta hit

believe that's Thaddeus' company? Are

Lemira, feeling agitated, noticed their reflections

smell the alcohol on him, "You didn't answer my

adjusted his collar, his

the girl you're seeing.