When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion extended his hand towards her, his gaze deep and intense.

Lemira bit her lip, feeling a flutter of excitement, and placed her hand in his.

She looked up, "Orion, thank you for being there for me when I needed it most."

Perfect

timing.

After she spoke, Lemira sneezed, "Seems a bit chilly in the hills."

"I better get you home; it's getting late."

Holding hands, they walked outside together, Lemira glancing at their intertwined fingers, her mood lifting. After leaving the Langston estate, she was no longer alone.

She had friends, and now, a boyfriend.

But the journey took longer than expected, and Lemira had to run to her dorm, fearing she'd be late.

Out of breath, she made it back, receiving a message from Orion: "If you didn't make it, I'm waiting outside."

"Made it last minute, exhausted."

Lemira, panting, sat down as her roommate, Janice, poured her a cup of hot chocolate: "How was your date?"

we made

a sip, Lemira felt

he liked you, even when you denied

she texted Orion: [What

got home,

old house. After sending the message,

"You're home? Insisting your brother

"Yes."

Unless you tell her everything,

remained silent, "I need

give you a month. If it's not settled by then, I'll step

carried the weight of her authority; she didn't want to see either of them hurt. Orion,

sighed deeply, why did it have to be that girl, a twisted fate

---

next morning, Lemira headed to class

sky was clear; she even sent Orion a

it, she saw Evelina, dressed in designer from head to toe,

Stopping near Lemira, Evelina

1

me, Asher kas

Aurora Trust?

"Why would