Chapter 204

“Shouldn’t you discuss this with Lemira first?”

“Why would I need to?”

Alaric felt a twinge of unease but remained silent. He sighed and said, “With Eve’s grades, it looks like she’ll only be able to attend a local college.”

“It’s perfect; they can look out for each other. Marrying into a local wealthy family wouldn’t be so bad.” Asher believed excessive ambition wasn't necessary for girls; early marriage was also acceptable.

When Lemira returned to her apartment, she said with apprehension, “I think I should find a new place to live.”

“Worried Asher will cause trouble?” Orion understood her previous mention of moving.

Lemira nodded. “Yeah, Asher’s stubborn and ignores everyone’s opinions.”

Thaddeus arrived then. “Lemon, you might as well go to Orvin. With your grades, getting into Orvin University shouldn’t be a problem. It’s best to get settled there sooner rather than later.” Asher wouldn’t be able to reach her there.

Lemira loved the suggestion, instinctively looking at Orion for his opinion.

Orion’s expression was calm. “That sounds like a good plan.” Once at Orvin, she’d be beyond the Langstons’ reach.

Lemira smiled, pressing her lips together. “Then it’s settled. I’m moving to Orvin!”

A sudden thought struck her, and she looked at Orion again. “But then, we won’t see each other often.”

Orion avoided her gaze. “Kid, focus on your studies.”

Lemira felt disheartened and looked away.

Thaddeus attempted to lighten the mood. “All good things must end. I hope, Lemon, you’ll have a wonderful life at Orvin, free from the Langstons’ shadow.”

Lemira managed a smile. “You’re right.” After all, Orion didn’t like her; she shouldn’t harbor any feelings.

Feeling down, Lemira said, “I’ll start planning now.” She practically fled.

After Lemira left, silence fell over the room.

Thaddeus looked at Orion meaningfully. “Having second thoughts?”

“Her going to Orvin means she’s finally free of the Langston family. No second thoughts; I’m happy for her!”

“Good. Use this chance to say a proper goodbye to Lemon. The closer you two become now, the more painful it will be later.”

Orion felt irritable. “I don’t need reminding.”

Thaddeus watched his back, remembering Orion’s frantic rush to the hospital when he heard Lemira was there. When had they ever seen Orion lose control like that?

Lemira barely slept that night. Though thrilled about Orvin and escaping the Langstons, the thought of rarely seeing Orion left her feeling lost.

The next morning, a call from her teacher jolted her awake.

“Lemira, why did you decline Orvin University’s admission offer? Your grades easily qualify you for their top programs!”

“What? I didn’t decline. I never received a call from the admissions office.”

Startled, Lemira was instantly alert. Orvin University was her dream! How could she have rejected it?