When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Caspian raise his hand to Evelina.

Caspian, hitting Evelina?

She remembered how Caspian always treated Evelina with respect, always making Lemira follow Evelina around like an assistant.

Even when Lemira had a rebirth moment and ended up in the doctor's office after a spat with Evelina at school, Caspian rushed over and, without asking any questions, blamed her, even going as far as to slap her. Why the sudden change of heart? Lemira wasn't pleased; she just thought Caspian had gone off the deep end even more.

Tears welled up in Evelina's eyes, shocked that Caspian would ever lay a hand on her.

Caspian spoke coldly, "I told you to apologize, didn't you hear? Cut the crap!"

It was then Evelina spoke up, her voice quivering with tears, "Lemmy, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have stolen your ideas out of spite, nor should I have convinced Alaric and Asher to slander you." Hearing Evelina's so-called apology, Lemira felt nothing stirring in her heart.

Caspian, however, looked at Lemira with a softer tone, "I watched that video too. It's clearly Evelina's fault, not yours."

Lemira scoffed at the absurdity, "Is that all you wanted to say?"

"Lemira, I've explained everything, and even had Eve apologize. You can't keep holding a grudge, otherwise, it'll just cause more trouble at home."

Caspian's words seemed part plea, part threat.

Lemira raised an eyebrow, "I've never been holding any grudge. Why should I return to a home that treats me poorly?"

"You're right. I'll have a word with Asher about this, don't worry."

Caspian dismissively waved his hand, "Didn't you have dinner plans with

didn't look back

he turned to Evelina, "Have I ever been unfair to you?

it, I'll never

remembering what kind of person Caspian really was. All these years

thought her little scheme at the party last night would work, only to have it fall

Caspian's tone softened

some ice on that cheek. I'll find you

Here's the

good look."

"Thank you, Caspian."

with surprise upon

a

After all, I haven't forgotten who rallied the troops when I was

gaze to hide her

Lemira who had called

could never admit

really liked her, the outsider sister, until after that incident. And she would never

had now, she believed, was

---

out of the car, Lemira

back at the vehicle, her gaze