Chapter 39

The slap sent a tingling numbness through Lemira's palm. She stared at Orion in shock; his figure seemed to loom larger than life. She hadn't expected him to intervene so directly, slapping Alaric across the face.

Silence descended upon the room. Evelina couldn't help a twinge of satisfaction at Alaric's humiliation. This, she thought, would surely end his forgiveness of Lemira.

Alaric's eyes reddened, his voice laced with disbelief. "Lemira! You actually dared to hit me?" His question hung in the air, unspoken: Wasn't she afraid of his anger, of being cast off forever?

Lemira slowly retracted her hand; it felt, she admitted to herself, rather exhilarating. She spoke coolly, "You hit me first. Any problems?"

"But I'm your brother! I was stopping you from making a grave mistake!" Alaric protested. "How's that the same?"

Alaric's pride was wounded. Even after apologizing, he'd never imagined Lemira would retaliate! It felt like a blow to his ego.

Orion's lips curled into a hint of mockery. "May I ask what exactly she said that warranted such drastic measures?"

Alaric glanced at Evelina, justifying himself boldly. "Eve was emotional. What if Lemira's words triggered her into harming herself?"

He believed he was right. Lemira, he thought, was too indifferent, lacking familial warmth. Winning a contest didn't give her license to hurt family!

Orion's gaze shifted to Evelina, cold and sharp. "We've been talking for a long time. If you're planning on killing yourself, why haven't you done it yet? Who are you waiting to perform for?"

Evelina choked, stung by the doctor's brutal assessment. She'd never truly wanted to die. But when had Lemira become so close to this sharp-tongued doctor?

Awkwardly clutching the blade, Evelina hesitated, unsure whether to proceed or stop. Resorting to her usual tactics, she said, eyes red, "I was panicked, trying to..."

"If you're that desperate, you could've found a secluded spot," Orion interrupted. "Using suicide to manipulate others is where you're wrong!"

Evelina was genuinely taken aback, and this time, her tears were real.

Lemira, weary, glanced at Orion. "Let's leave." She had no more time to waste.

Lucian frowned. "Where are you going?"

"That's my business."

"But you're a minor, and as your guardian, I have a right to know. And you can't just leave with some guy!" Lucian eyed Orion warily. Had his sister changed so drastically under this man's influence?

Alaric stepped into Lemira's path. "Lucian's right. You're still young. Don't be swayed by sweet talk."

Lucian glared at Orion. "If you dare take Lemira by force, I'll call the police and accuse you of abduction."

Lemira's irritation flared. "It's not abduction if I choose to leave." She was suffocated by the Langstons.

Lucian looked at her, his voice laced with weary concern. "Lemmy, I know you're going through a rebellious phase, but you'll understand one day I'm doing this for your own good!"

Orion snorted. "Doing what's best for Lemira by making her compromise and retreat every time? Letting her be mistreated and expecting her to understand? You wouldn't want this kind of 'good' for yourselves, would you?"

Lucian was speechless. He realized he'd neglected Lemira, assuming her silence meant she wasn't hurt. But she had been hurt. He hadn't fulfilled his role as guardian.

Suddenly, police arrived, accompanied by a lawyer.

The lawyer addressed the gathering. "I represent Ms. Langston. Given the repeated instances of violence from her family, we've submitted evidence. She will be escorted to a safe place of her choosing."