When They Beg, I Rise!

Alaric retorted, "Even if Lemira didn't ace her exams, it's not like she needs to take a gap year or something. Her grades are better than most of us here, aside from Rowan. She's pretty much killing it." The progress she made in just a few months was something most people could only dream of.

Evelina was taken aback by Alaric's defense; she looked at him, not expecting him to stand up for Lemira as well.

Lucian had been acting differently, and now Alaric too showed signs of change. A wave of panic swept over Evelina.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing her brothers' favor.

Evelina said uneasily, "I get that Lemmy's grades have shot up, but maybe this sudden improvement isn't stable, you know? That could be why she underperformed."

Lucian was in turmoil, "Isn't your school hosting a seminar on college applications tomorrow, where gap year options are also discussed?"

Evelina nodded, "Exactly."

"Let's check it out tomorrow then."

"Lucian, do you think I should take a gap year too?"

on the idea; she found it pointless

her sights set on entering

ever, "Eve, even at your best, you're not hitting the top tier college mark. No

He was going to

to make any mistakes. Without Evelina around,

his piece,

retreating figure, Evelina bit her lip, frustrated. What was Lucian's

Lemira? Even if she took a

to sense

head, said to Evelina, "Eve, don't take Lucian's words to heart. He's always been extra protective of Lemira,

After all, Lucian's been good to me too. I'm content with what

on

soup I made for Lucian ready yet? It might not be as good as Lemmy's, but I hope it eases

ready in a

exams, Eve. Let's hit a bar tonight, unwind a bit." "Cool, I'll go upstairs and

was excited, turning to head upstairs. But just as she had