Chapter 12

She was determined not to repeat the same mistake.

Lemira's gaze was clear and unwavering. "Alaric, I want to focus on my exams; I can't afford distractions." She had flatly declined Alaric's suggestion—or rather, his command. His words weren't a discussion; they were an announcement.

"Lemira, am I hearing this right? You're actually turning down my offer?" Alaric's face fell. He'd demanded she join the team and hadn't anticipated her refusal. After all, Lemira had always been compliant, never defying him.

Standing her ground, Lemira retorted, "If it's an invitation, I have the right to decline." She met his gaze, watching his frustration mount, though it was none of her concern.

Visibly irritated, Alaric warned, "Think carefully before you answer, Lemira. Don't act out of spite, or you might regret it when you're begging me for another chance!" He'd heard from Caspian about the recent incident where Lemira, in a fit of pique, had given away the gold trophy he'd presented to her as an apology to Evelina. That trophy, from the year he went pro and won the championship, held significant value. How dare she give it away?

Evelina tugged on Alaric's sleeve. "Ari, don't get mad. Joining your team is a dream come true for me. Lemmy will come around."

Her words only fueled Alaric's anger. He felt Lemira was being ungrateful.

Alaric glared at Lemira. "This is a one-time offer. Decide now: do you want to be part of our family team or not?"

Lemira found the situation amusing. Alaric was merely a puppet, easily manipulated by Evelina.

Evelina, feigning concern, urged, "Lemmy, just say yes. Don't upset Ari."

Lemira looked at her. "Evelina, since joining the team is your dream, I'll let you have my spot."

With that, she returned to her room, retrieved her textbooks, and began studying. To her dismay, she was out of touch with the material and knew she had to catch up quickly.

A servant knocked. "Ms. Langston, dinner is served."

"Just bring it up here."

"But Mr. Lucian Langston and the others are waiting for you in the dining room."

The message was clear: she wasn't to dine alone. Clutching her pen, Lemira realized she was still under the Langstons' thumb and had to comply.

She went to the dining room, where Lucian, Caspian, Alaric, and Evelina sat around a long table—a typical Langston arrangement. Lemira chose a seat at the far end and silently ate. The room was initially tense, but Evelina's laughter soon eased the tension.

Alaric, glancing at Lemira, declared, "Eve, we'll teach you to play later. With your smarts, you'll learn quickly, and you'll be just as good as anyone!"

Evelina's eyes sparkled. "Ari, I'll do my best. I won't hold you back!"

Lemira, unfazed, thought it was for the best. If Evelina joined and they failed to make the playoffs, it would be Alaric's last chance.

She ate quietly, head bowed, avoiding the jovial chatter. It no longer mattered to her.

After finishing, she stood. "I'm done. Enjoy your dinner." She felt it necessary to excuse herself to avoid any lectures.

Lucian looked up, surprised by Lemira's lack of tantrum or jealousy. She seemed much colder.

With a hint of compassion, Lucian asked, "Lemon, are you sure you don't want to join us? You have real talent. Imagine us, all together, winning the championship!" It was as if he were offering her a way back.