When They Beg, I Rise!

The slap sent Lemira's palm tingling with numbness!

She stared at Orion in shock, his figure suddenly loomed larger than life. She hadn't expected him to grab her hand and personally deliver a slap to Alaric's face. Silence enveloped the room.

Evelina couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction seeing Alaric get slapped. This surely meant Alaric would never forgive Lemira now.

Alaric's eyes reddened, his voice laced with disbelief, "Lemira! You actually dared to hit me?"

Was she not afraid of him getting mad, cutting her off forever?

Lemira slowly retracted her hand, not going to lie, it felt kind of exhilarating. She spoke coolly, "You hit me first, now I'm returning the favor. Any problems?"

"But I'm your brother! I was stopping you from making a grave mistake with your words! How's that the same?"

Alaric always had a strong sense of pride. Even though he had apologized, he never imagined Lemira would slap him back! It felt like a blow to his ego.

Orion's lips curled with a hint of mockery, "May I ask, what exactly did she say that spelled such a disaster you're speaking of?"

Alaric glanced at Evelina, justifying boldly, "Eve was emotional just now. What if she got triggered by Lemira's words and actually did something to harm herself?"

He believed he was not wrong. It was Lemira who was too indifferent, lacking familial warmth. Even though she won some contest, it didn't give her the right to hurt family!

Orion's gaze shifted to Evelina, his eyes cold, "We've been talking for so long. If you're planning on killing yourself, why haven't you done it yet? Who are you waiting to perform for?" Evelina choked on his words; the school doctor's comments were brutally sharp.

She never actually wanted to die. But when did Lemira get so close to this sharp-tongue doctor?

Evelina felt awkward at the moment, holding onto the blade, not sure whether to proceed or stop.

She reverted to her old tactics, her eyes red, "I-I was just panicked, trying to make..."

"If you're that desperate, you could've found a secluded spot to die, but using suicide to manipulate others into doing what you want is where you're wrong!"

Evelina was genuinely taken aback and started crying for real this time, not an act.

Lemira was just tired, glancing at Orion, "Let's leave." She didn't want to waste more time here.

Lucian frowned, "Where are you going?"

"Where I'm going is my business."

"But you're a minor, and as your guardian, I have the right to know your whereabouts. And you can't just leave with some guy!"

Lucian eyed Orion warily. Had his little sister changed so much lately because of this man's influence?

Alaric stepped in Lemira's path, "Lucian's right. You're still young, don't get swayed by some sweet-talking guy outside."

Lucian stared down Orion, "If you dare to take Lemira away by force, I'll call the cops immediately, accusing you of abducting a minor."

Lemira grew irritated, "It's not abduction if I choose to leave."

She no longer wanted to stay with the Langstons. It's suffocating.

Lucian looked at her, "Lemmy, I know you're going through a rebellious phase, and nothing I say gets through to you, but you'll understand one day I'm doing this for your own good!"

Orion snorted, "Doing what's best for Lemira by making her compromise and retreat every time? Letting her be mistreated and expecting her to understand? You guys wouldn't want this kind of 'good' for yourselves, would you?" Lucian found himself at a loss for words. He now realized he had neglected Lemira because she had always been compliant and silent, thinking she wouldn't take it to heart.

But she always took it to heart. He hadn't fulfilled his role as a guardian.

Suddenly, the police arrived, accompanied by a lawyer.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The lawyer spoke first, "I represent Ms. Langston. Given the repeated instances of violence from her family, we've submitted evidence. Now, she'll go to a place she deems safe under police escort." Lemira was surprised; she hadn't hired a lawyer. Could it have been Orion who arranged it for her?