Chapter 13

When Lemira heard the phrase "us all together," she scoffed at its absurdity. It was a sentiment she'd harbored in her previous life. But on the eve of the championship, Evelina had replaced her.

Lemira firmly stated, "I'm not joining the team. I want to focus on my studies and prepare for exams."

Alaric mocked her. "But you begged me to teach you, chased after me for night training, and even wanted to be an official member. Why didn't you say you preferred studying then?"

Lemira felt a pang of hurt. She'd pursued gaming with Alaric to strengthen their relationship, to find common ground. Now, it seemed pointless.

She answered, "I realized gaming distracted me from my studies. My grades dropped significantly last semester, so I quit."

Alaric was speechless. "Fine, just don't regret it! When the competition starts, everyone will only see Evelina as a member of the Langston family." If Lemira was ungrateful, he didn't care.

"That's fine by me," she replied.

Lemira walked away from the dining room, refusing further argument. Back in her room, she adjusted her mood, diligently working on her homework, reviewing forgotten concepts.

The next day after school, Lemira and Evelina left separately for the school gates, where their chauffeur waited.

Evelina said, "I have to go to training camp; the chauffeur will drop me off first. Looks like we can't share a ride."

The chauffeur, with a stern face, announced, "Ms. Langston, Mr. Alaric Langston instructed me to drop Ms. Sterling off first. We can't delay."

Lemira nonchalantly replied, "I'll take a cab."

As Evelina entered the car, excitement flickered on her face. "Lemmy, I'll talk to Ari for you."

Lemira turned and walked away, leaving Evelina to watch her retreat. Evelina bit her lip, thinking, "Lemira, just you wait. One day, I'll take everything from you! You owe me that!"

Standing bored on the sidewalk, Lemira decided against returning to the Langston mansion. Perhaps she should find a study hall near the school.

"Hey, school's out. Why aren't you going home instead of loitering?"

Lemira turned to see a handsome man. Stunned, she recognized him after meeting his gaze. It was the school doctor, usually masked and in a white coat, but now in different attire.

Orion stood before her. "I asked you a question."

"I don't feel like going back right now. I was looking for a place to study."

"Follow me."

Hesitant at first, Lemira followed him to the school infirmary. Standing at the door, she questioned, "Why are we here? I'm not sick."

Orion tapped the desk. "It's quieter and safer here than any study hall."

Lemira agreed. She put down her backpack. "Thank you for offering this place."

She began studying. Orion glanced at her, his gaze cool, before entering the consulting room and closing the door.

Realizing how late it had become, Lemira saw Orion's nameplate on the desk, revealing his name.

"Done snooping?"

Caught, Lemira blushed and replaced the nameplate. "I wasn't snooping. I just saw it accidentally."

"Finished with your homework?"

"Yeah, but some questions I couldn't solve. I'll ask the teacher tomorrow."

Orion approached, taking her workbook. "You don't know how to solve these simple questions?"

Lemira felt discouraged. "Yeah, I got sidetracked and didn't concentrate on my studies before."