Chapter 45

Lemira gazed at the teddy bear, never having agreed to participate in the final showdown. This teddy bear, once her favorite—a limited-edition Super Teddy—was difficult to obtain. In her past life, she'd acquired one only because Evelina needed a teddy bear for a livestream giveaway; Alaric had pressured her into giving it to Evelina. Eventually, the bear was given to a self-proclaimed fan, a creep who dismembered it, hid dead rats inside, and sent it back. Looking at this bear, Lemira felt she was witnessing the tragic end of her previous life—a memory she’d tried to forget, but which always resurfaced.

A nearby fan asked, “Is Lemira really going to the finals? I heard she’s not on the team roster!”

A clan member, with a gentle demeanor, replied, “The list hasn’t been updated yet. Lemira is a Langston; how could she miss the competition? Besides, the finals are after exams, so it won’t affect her studies.”

“How does she manage to excel in both her studies and gaming?”

“I’m so jealous! Lemira has so many brothers, and they’re all so nice to her!”

Hearing this, Lemira felt the irony keenly. Stabbed countless times, and now they thought a teddy bear could make everything alright?

Her expression cold, Lemira said, “Lucian, I don’t like teddy bears anymore. Don’t you know that?”

Lucian’s face stiffened. “I’m sorry. I remember you used to love it.”

“That was then. I’m in high school now; my interests have obviously changed.”

Lucian looked even more discomforted after Lemira’s remark, feeling guilty for not knowing she’d outgrown her fondness for teddy bears.

Evelina interjected, “Lucian, you’re always so busy with work and your siblings; it’s normal to not remember everything. At least you remember what Lemira likes. I have no family left to remember what I like. How I envy Lemira for having a family that cares.”

Lucian, understanding Evelina was giving him an out, softened. Lemira always felt he was biased, but Evelina’s sensitivity made it hard not to treat her well.

He said, “Eve, you’re a Langston too. I remember what you like, and I’ll surprise you.”

Evelina looked genuinely surprised and touched, then turned to Lemira. “You should accept this gift. What you don’t want might be something others can only dream of getting.”

Lemira glared at Evelina. So, she wanted to take everything from her? Hmph. Lemira grabbed the bear and thrust it into Evelina’s arms. “Now you have it.” Then she turned and walked away. Late concern was worthless. She wouldn’t be swayed by such small gestures.

“Lemira, where are you going?” Lucian hurried after her. “I know you’ve been wronged. I was too caught up in work and neglected your feelings. I promise it won’t happen again.”

Lemira only felt sorry for the sacrifices she’d made in her past life. The squeaky wheel got the grease, but she wasn’t after any consolation prize. Remaining calm, she said, “Let it be. Stop following me.”

Lucian stepped in front of her. “No, you have to come back with me. You can’t go with that school doctor. I talked to the principal today about you and Alaric. I’ve already made him move out, so we’re not breaking any rules, and you won’t be in any danger.”

Chapter 46