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."

hand, "Didn't you have dinner plans with your classmates? Off

back as

as he turned to Evelina, "Have I ever been unfair to you? I despise liars the most, got

I'll never dare

person Caspian really was. All

at the party last night would work, only to have

Caspian's tone softened

"Go put some ice on that cheek.

movie. Here's

good look."

"Thank you, Caspian."

lit up with surprise

a

forgotten who rallied the troops when I was

lowered her gaze to hide

Lemira who had

never admit

liked her, the outsider sister, until after

she believed, was rightfully

---

out of the car, Lemira

at the