When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira always felt that Orion had an air of mystery about him.

When she couldn't help but ask, Orion simply answered, "Yeah, the place you're living in is his."

A best friend was always there to take the hit.

Orion then headed to a private room next door, and a waiter walked in respectfully, "Mr. Everhart, here's the menu."

"For her."

Orion took a seat at the back, leaning casually in his chair with part of his arm exposed.

Lemira didn't take the menu either, "Just bring us some of your house specials."

She had dined here once in her past life and knew their menu was quite unique; it changed daily based on the chef's pick, so customers ate whatever was served. But the waiter handing the menu to Orion hinted at his friend's extraordinary status.

At that moment, Lemira's phone buzzed non-stop. A glance showed calls from Lucian, which she ignored.

Soon, she received a text from Lucian. [Lemmy, something came up and the restaurant is closing early for the night. We're in the parking lot, where are you?] Closing early? Lemira was puzzled; the place was still buzzing with activity.

It must have been Orion pulling strings through his affluent buddy. After a moment's thought, she replied. [You guys go ahead.]

When Lucian pressed on asking her location, she didn't respond. Looking up, she met Orion's deep gaze. "Your brother?" he asked.

"Yeah, he left."

"Good, now we can eat."

Orion's demeanor was strangely calm, as if the evening's events were nothing out of the ordinary.

Lemira found it odd. Was he really just a school doctor? But she quickly dismissed the thought. If Orion had such a significant background, why would he work as a mere school doctor? Maybe he went out of his way to help her out of sympathy. She couldn't resist asking, "What did you say to Lucian just now?"

Orion's arm rested on the table, revealing a bit of his wrist. He replied, "Just small talk."

Just small talk? But she clearly saw Lucian looking not too pleased.

Orion was turned away, so Lemira couldn't gauge his expression at that time. Either way, it seemed unlikely just a casual chat. Hesitating, she said, "Orion, I appreciate your kindness, but this is Lyria. If Lucian gets fixated on you, it could spell trouble."

She didn't want to drag anyone down with her.

"So, that's why you moved back?"

"Yeah, just for a few days more. After the exams, I'll be free."

Lemira's face lit up with anticipation. She had hoped to jump straight into an easy life after her rebirth, but reality was proving stubborn.

In her previous life, she depended heavily on her brothers, but this time around, she aimed for independence, which meant getting into a good university and pursuing what she desired. Orion noticed her smile and knew she had her plans. The words he had wanted to say eventually remained unspoken.

He had no right to interfere in her life.

After the meal, Orion looked at her, "What do you want to do?"

Lemira thought for a moment, "Play some games, maybe clear a few instance dungeons." That was her go-to stress reliever at present.

Orion stood up to leave, and Lemira watched his tall figure, "Why were you here today? Were you dining with someone?"

Earlier, she had seen him with a beautiful woman.

Orion paused at the elevator, his gaze lingering, "Just some business."

Just some business? That date must have been quite important then.

Lemira felt a strange twist in her mood, realizing something was off and quickly adjusted her mindset.

She was supposed to be infatuated with her online crush, the man who would appear after her exams.

Orion had been kind to her, probably out of sympathy at first, then leading to his many times of rescue. She couldn't let their relationship become awkward and complicated.

They both headed back to the apartment.