When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion stepped out of the elevator, catching the sight of her slamming the door shut behind her.

He rubbed his temples. It had been a while since he indulged in booze, and his head was spinning slightly.

Back in his apartment next door, Thaddeus was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as Orion entered, "You're back. How did it go?" "What do you mean, 'how did it go'?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You mentioned having a girlfriend during dinner, and Sweet Lemon didn't take it too well. Don't tell me you didn't notice."

Pouring himself a glass of water, Orion leaned against the counter, swirling the liquid slowly, "Once she starts college, she'll forget all about today."

Seeing the world would help her grow. All he could do was watch her go.

Thaddeus gave Orion a look, "Hopefully."

But he sensed something about Orion's demeanor seemed off.

Orion cared about Lemira more than he let on. Perhaps even Orion himself hadn't realized that his feelings had started to change.

---

that followed, Lemira felt awkward

she did like him a bit. But he was already

online crush from the past life wasn't Orion. Even though they shared the same username in the game, they were not the

life's secret online crush, who would appear in the game in less than half a month. She decided she could try

log on right on time to play, for that was

in the evening, Lemira noticed her fans asking about the finals. [Goddess Lemon, are you going

you, they'll probably be knocked out in the

angel go to the finals! Goddess Lemon isn't someone who can be summoned and dismissed at will!] Glancing at the time, Lemira realized the finals were tomorrow. She hadn't planned on participating, so she hadn't kept

names like Lucian

her top fans, she knew they were online, watching her

spoke calmly, "I don't intend to participate in this

announcement, she noticed Alaric had left the stream. Hopefully, Alaric would

stream, his emotions

at

He had always held onto some hope, believing Lemira wouldn't

in the last playoff,

a tantrum and would eventually show up for the finals. But he was wrong this time. Alaric,

you before, your apology lacked sincerity, and you kept picking on her, insulting her. If I were her, I wouldn't forgive you either." "But I've always talked to Lemira like that, ever since we were kids, and she never got mad.