When They Beg, I Rise!

For years, Thaddeus had watched as the man coolly and confidently maneuvered through life's challenges. It's rare to see him caught in a dilemma. Thaddeus had a hunch that Lemira meant something different to Orion now.

At the moment, Lemira was perched on a toilet in the restroom, rubbing her face. She was as timid now as she had been brave moments ago.

No wonder they say confessing your feelings was impulsive; it could easily make things awkward between two people.

She must have been under some spell to muster the courage to say those words.

What now? How could she face Orion? So awkward!

Lemira had stayed in the restroom for what seemed like ages, wishing she could just disappear.

When knocking finally came from the other side of the door, Lemira left the stall, making room for the next person.

As she washed her hands, feeling downcast, a surprised voice came from beside her, "Lemira? It's you!"

Lemira looked up to see Evelina, and then quickly went back to washing her hands, ignoring her.

the fox mask, she recalled it, remarking jealously, "So, you were the one dancing up a storm in the middle of the dance floor?"

her hands, "None of your

guy at the bar, if Lucian finds out, he'd be

rolled her eyes and

who was waiting outside. She hurriedly said, "Lemmy, where are you going? I'm just worried about you. Alaric's here too, just hanging out in a private room with some friends. I just texted him."

me your fake concern, will you? Just stop

okay?

had been

after being

to Evelina, thinking how he'd show Lemira one day that Evelina was doing better without

like the perfect

mockery, "If playing the victim is bullying,

you speak like that?

to apologize. Kept demanding apologies, was he out of

"What's going on here?"