Chapter 11

Lemira took a cab back to the Langston mansion. Stepping into the foyer, she heard Evelina's blissful laughter. The sound instantly vanished, replaced by tense silence at her appearance. Maintaining a neutral expression, Lemira started toward her room.

Caspian's voice boomed, "Lemira, stop! Is this your attitude now? Ignoring your elders? Just because the school doctor has your back—even threatened to call the police—you think you're invincible? Without the Langstons, you are nothing! You think we favor Evelina, but you don't see how terribly you've treated her! Her father saved your life; we're simply repaying your debt!"

Caspian's anger escalated; he stood, his voice rising. Feeling utterly drained, Lemira paused, glancing toward the couch. "Lucian, Caspian, I'm home," she said, hoping that would suffice.

Lucian responded, "Dinner's ready."

"I'm not hungry," Lemira replied, turning and heading upstairs.

"Lucian, look at her attitude! She's becoming increasingly unruly!" Caspian exclaimed.

Evelina chimed in, "Caspian, don't be mad. It's my fault. Maybe if I leave the Langston family, Lemmy won't be so upset."

"Don't talk nonsense," Caspian retorted. "If anyone should leave, it's Lemira. Why should you go?"

These words spurred Lemira to quicken her pace. She locked her door, leaning against it, breathing deeply. Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back. This time, she wouldn't cling to any illusion of sibling affection.

The next day, Lemira and Evelina shared a ride to school. Evelina cautiously asked, "Lemmy, are you still mad at me?"

"Evelina, always playing the victim," Lemira retorted, leaning against the window and closing her eyes. "Doesn't it tire you?" She ignored Evelina's darkening expression. Maintaining a pitiful facade for the driver, Evelina smiled weakly.

The driver, sensing Lemira's harshness and believing Evelina was being bullied, decided to speak with Mr. Lucian Langston.

After school, Lemira focused on her studies, aware of the ground she'd lost. Unaffected by Evelina's entourage, Lemira had too much to do to waste time on them.

Returning home, she found Alaric on the couch, clearly displeased. Evelina rushed to him, feigning affection. "Ari, you're back! I've missed you so much!"

Alaric's initial sour mood softened under Evelina's charm. Observing them, Lemira headed upstairs.

Alaric called out, "Lemira, Caspian mentioned your disobedience. I didn't believe it until now. Can't you even greet me?"

Lemira sighed inwardly. "Here we go again," she thought. She turned and dutifully said, "Alaric."

"That's better," Alaric replied. "I'm planning to reassemble the gaming team. Lucian and Caspian agree. You should join."

Lemira's grip tightened on her backpack. This was precisely how it had happened in her last life. To please Alaric and gain her brothers' attention, she had agreed, training relentlessly at the expense of her studies. The result? Alaric had declared, "Lemira, you've proven yourself. Now let's give Eve a chance to experience victory." He added, "Lemira, I'm the team captain. If I say to change, we change." In her previous life, she had been replaced by Evelina in the finals, her sacrifices amounting to nothing but Evelina's undeserved victory.