Chapter 40

Orion glanced down at Leira, his calm gaze bringing her a sense of peace. Alaric, however, exploded. “What do you mean by that? We’re her guardians! What right do you have to do this?”

The lawyer blocked Alaric’s path. “Dr. Lemina has filed for a restraining order for her safety. You’re now required to stay away from her for six months. Any attempt to harm her will result in legal action.”

Alaric was speechless, a mix of rage and guilt overwhelming him. Lucian felt a wave of defeat; he realized then that he might lose his sister.

He spoke softly, “Lemmy, I wasn’t good enough before, and I let you down. But I promise, I’ll be different. Can’t you just drop this, please?”

Lemira slowly raised her head, her eyes clear. “I think it’s better this way.”

It wasn't necessary anymore. She turned and left.

Lucian felt a knot in his throat, his eyes misty. He had hurt Lemira, and she refused to believe him or return to the Langston family.

Alaric’s eyes reddened as he watched her go. How could she leave? She was their sister! Panicked, he turned to Lucian. “Lucian, think of something! She can’t just leave! We’re family!”

Without Lemira, what about the championship finals?

Lucian offered a bitter smile. “Knowing that, why did you hit her in the first place?”

Alaric was speechless. He had been the first to strike. He regretted his impulsiveness, brought on by Evelina’s threat of self-harm.

He turned to Evelina, his tone accusatory. “Why would you do something so dangerous?”

“Alaric, I just wanted to cool Lemmy’s temper so she’d join the team. I did it all for you,” Evelina said, feeling guilty but unwilling to admit it.

Alaric scoffed. “You think self-harm would calm her down? You were guilt-tripping her!”

Evelina’s expression froze. Lucian tried to ease the tension. “Come on, Alaric, ease up a bit.”

“Lucian, it’s true. I never asked Evelina to hurt herself. She acted alone, leading to this mess,” Alaric said, after a moment of reflection.

Evelina, looking pitiful, said, “I’m sorry, Alaric. I was stupid and desperate. I know I was wrong. I’ll apologize to Lemmy and clear things up.”

Seeing her genuine apology, Alaric softened. “Alright, just don’t do anything like this again.” But the image of Lemira’s departure weighed heavily on him.

Evelina smiled, reverting to her obedient persona. Deep down, however, she loathed Lemira. She had hoped to win Alaric back and drive a wedge between Lemira and him. "Lucian," she said, her eyes darting around, "what's going on between Lemmy and that school doctor?"

Lucian’s face was complex. “I’m not sure.”

“I’m worried Lemmy might be getting conned. Some lowly school doctor might be trying to climb the social ladder through her.”

Alaric frowned. “That school doctor dares to scheme?”

Lucian’s eyes turned cold. “I’ll bring her back and make that doctor disappear from Lyria.” The Langston family wasn’t to be trifled with. Evelina’s eyes flickered; without the doctor's influence, Lemira would be vulnerable again.

Soon, the people sent to find them reported back: “Mr. Lucian Langston, we couldn’t locate Ms. Langston or the doctor.”

Then Lucian began to panic. Lemira was missing.