When They Beg, I Rise!

Lucian dialed Lemira's number, but got no answer. He quickly texted. [Lemmy, where are you?]

Lemira glanced at her phone, stood up, and walked out of the restroom stall. At the sink, she looked at her reflection, her eyes slightly reddened.

Despite countless resolutions to not let the Langstons get to her again, Asher's words still stung. Lemira splashed her face with cold water, just one more month, and she wouldn't have to endure any longer. Leaving the restroom, she planned to take the elevator out of the restaurant.

"Why are you here?"

Lemira looked up to find Orion, and in a fluster, she lowered her head, "Came to grab a bite."

Her voice was hoarse. Orion stepped closer, "Been crying?"

Something in her voice suggested she had been crying.

Lemira instinctively denied, "No."

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Lucian stepped out.

Seeing him, she immediately threw herself into Orion's arms, clinging tightly to his shirt. Lemira wished she could disappear into Orion, not wanting to be spotted by Lucian.

Orion, taken aback, looked down at the girl pressing against him, her sweet scent almost tangible.

His Adam's apple bobbed, instinctively wanting to create distance. But as he moved, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

To any onlooker, they seemed like a couple deeply in love.

Orion, lips pressed together, was surprised by her actions. The usually composed man was at a loss what to do.

Lemira peeked out just in time to see Lucian return to the private room, breathing a sigh of relief.

Realizing their close pose, she noticed for the first time how tall Orion was. She was practically on her tiptoes, and he had to lean down to let her arms reach around his neck. Lemira, embarrassed, let go, "Um, when Lucian got out of the elevator, I didn't want him to see me, so I kinda used you as a shield."

Orion squinted, guessing why she was there and why she seemed down. His voice teasing, "Any guy would do as a shield?"

Lemira looked at him in surprise, "I guess not."

Because Orion stood right near her, that was why she threw her into his arms without thinking it through. With anyone else, she couldn't imagine doing the same. Probably not. Orion felt slightly better with her answer, "Here with them to eat?"

"Yeah, supposedly for doing well on my exams," Lemira said with a touch of sarcasm.

She sneaked a glance at him, recalling seeing him with a beautiful woman earlier. Now, why was he alone?

Orion's voice was even, "Tenth place, not bad."

Lemira felt a twinge of pride, "It's okay. Now I might have a shot at getting into Orvin University."

He had doubted her ranking before.

Seeing the pride on her face, Orion smiled, "Had dinner yet?"

"Not yet, I don't want to stay here."

"Because of the people in that room?"

Lemira nodded, "You go ahead if you're busy, I'll head back to my apartment."

She didn't feel like going home today either.

"They should be the ones to leave, not you."

Lemira didn't quite catch his drift. Was he suggesting kicking Lucian and Evelina out? Hardly likely!