When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira caught the outcome of the match and wasn't the least bit surprised. It's bound to happen.

Had Alaric not insisted on Evelina being his gunner and perhaps brought in another top-notch player, they might not have faced such a humiliating defeat. Maybe they wouldn't have lost at all. But Alaric had to put Evelina in the game, was it to prove that Evelina alone was enough?

Looked like Alaric hadn't changed one bit. Huh, Lemira cracked a smile, just wondering whether Alaric was actually satisfied with this outcome.

Well, she certainly was.

Back in the previous life, she had worked her fingers to the bone to secure the championship for her team, only to be replaced by Evelina at the last minute, who then clinched the title.

This time, she had stepped down from the competition herself, only to witness Alaric's defeat.

Alaric, up on the stage, didn't look too pleased and made a beeline for the exit.

The victorious team was being interviewed by reporters, and their captain glanced down at Lemira, "This match was a breeze, honestly. We had braced ourselves, thinking we might get knocked out. Never imagined Lemira would sit this one out and hand us the win on a silver platter."

If Lemira had been in the game, with her ability to pull off a twelve-hit combo, their victory was far from certain.

Lemira, sipping on her soda, was handed a microphone by a reporter, "Ms. Langston, any thoughts on today's game?"

"In competitions, you win some, you lose some. But I believe the ultimate champion will definitely bring glory to our country," Lemira offered the cliché.

Standing up, she glanced at Jessica, "I've got to go."

Lucian watched Lemira's retreating figure before heading to the locker room, where he found Alaric in the midst of a tirade.

Evelina was getting an earful and felt utterly wronged. She had performed as well as she could, but the team just wasn't up to par.

Alaric walked over, "Everyone's put in a good effort. Let's get in the car."

As the rest of the team dispersed, Evelina wiped away her tears, "Lucian, I really did try."

"I know, you should head back with them."

Evelina, having no desire to linger, got up and left.

Alaric vented in frustration, "Lucian, do you think Evelina really tried? Her performance wasn't even a tent of

Lemia's. And to think I put my faith

in her!"

"It's not Eve's fault. You knew her level and still chose her for the competition. You were trying to spite Lemmy, and it backfired."

Alaric felt incredibly stifled,

admitting to himself that provoking

Lemira had been part of his plan, but

he hadn't anticipated Evelina's

dismal showing.

He had thought Evelina would at least show some improvement. But there was none!

"Alaric, Eve did her best. You can't blame her. It's on you for driving Lemmy away, not anyone else."

Alaric slumped into a chair,

dispirited, "I just couldn't accept Lemira's drastic changes, been always thinking she was merely throwing tantrums."

"I've reminded you long ago, it's you who didn't believe that. Think about it clearly yourself now." Lucian felt he'd expressed what he should. Alaric sat in the chair, covering his face, his emotions in turmoil. He was finally coming to terms with how life without Lemira seemed to lack something.

After leaving the venue, Lemira found herself surrounded by fans but managed to catch a cab and escape. Back in her apartment, she finally relaxed.

Thaddeus was lounging on the couch, "Sweet Lemon, did today's game feel good to watch?"