Chapter 252

Orion hung up the phone and immediately texted his secretary, “Clear the hotel!” He wanted to avoid anyone seeing Lemira as they left. He was determined to protect her.

Returning to the room, he found Lemira nearly finished with her meal. She looked up, a flicker in her eyes. What should she say?

Orion checked the time. “Got any classes today?”

Lemira considered. “In the afternoon.”

“If you’re feeling unwell, you could skip.”

“No need, I’m fine now. Classes aren’t exhausting; it’s just sitting in a lecture hall.” She felt awkward, unsure how to face him or navigate their situation.

Noticing her discomfort, Orion said with amusement, “That scared of hanging out with me?”

Lemira’s breath hitched. “Who said that? I—I just don’t want to skip classes.”

“College isn’t complete without skipping a class or two.”

Seeing her strained effort, Orion dropped the teasing. “I’ll drive you to campus.”

Lemira watched him go, breathing a sigh of relief. After freshening up, she followed him out. The hotel seemed upscale but strangely deserted.

Orion caught her gaze. “What is it?”

“Is this hotel doing poorly? It looks so fancy, but I haven’t seen a single guest.”

Surprise flickered across Orion’s face. “Maybe it’s just a quiet time.”

They went to the underground parking lot. Orion drove, with Lemira in the passenger seat. She fumbled with her seat belt. Orion leaned over to adjust it.

Lemira looked up; their proximity was startling. Images flashed in her mind, feeling eerily familiar.

Orion met her gaze, his heart quickening. He averted his eyes, quickly secured her seat belt, and straightened.

As the car started, Lemira glanced at him. The moment with the seat belt felt oddly familiar. Had she dreamed it?

The drive was mostly silent. Stopping outside campus, Lemira hesitated. “When are you heading back to Lyria?”

“I’ll be here for a few days.”

“Alright, then I’ll head to class. Let’s grab dinner before you leave, to thank you for rescuing me!” She hoped he wouldn’t refuse.

Orion found it hard to meet her gaze. He replied flatly, “Sure. If you run into any trouble at school, let me know.” Susanna might cause problems for Lemira.

“I can handle school stuff myself. See you in a few days.”

Lemira opened the car door and walked toward campus. Orion watched her go, frustratedly adjusting his collar. “Lemira, what am I going to do with you?”

Lemira went to her classroom. The noisy room fell silent; many eyed her oddly. She sat alone in the front row. Her phone buzzed—a message from Janice: “[You didn’t come back last night, and now there’s a nasty rumor about you. Be careful!]” A photo of her getting out of Orion’s car was attached.