Chapter 46

Lemira's face was a shade darker than usual. She had a hunch this was coming.

"Lemmy," Lucian began, "I'm your guardian, not the school doctor. The school's buzzing with rumors. I can have you stay home to prepare for your exams."

Lemira's eyelids drooped, concealing her anger. Her voice was hoarse. "So this is what you meant by not letting me feel wronged?"

Lucian felt helpless. "I'm doing all this for your own good! Family squabbles are nothing serious. Can't we just resolve this peacefully? Running away from home just to force our hand?"

That phrase again, "for your own good." In her past life, it had been followed by abandonment and tragedy.

Lemira marched ahead, her exams now her sole focus. She couldn't trouble Orion, despite today's smooth sailing. But if Lucian got serious, that could change.

Once in the car, she texted Orion: Heading home now, catch up later.

Seeing her get in, Lucian finally relaxed. It seemed Lemira was merely throwing a tantrum. He'd shown weakness, and she'd taken the bait. He realized he needed to be more attentive to Lemira in the future, to avoid her feeling neglected compared to Evelina.

Back at the Langston residence, Lemira exited the car first, ignoring everyone. Lucian watched her go, sighing in resignation.

Evelina, struggling out of the car with a teddy bear, said, "Lucian, I'm sure Lemmy will understand your intentions eventually."

Seeing Evelina's docile demeanor, he couldn't help but reply, "If only she could be as understanding and well-behaved as you, I'd be overjoyed."

Evelina looked down, her expression perfectly obedient.

At dinner, Alaric was absent; only Lucian and Evelina were present. Lemira quietly finished her meal, planning her retreat. She noticed Lucian clutching his stomach, looking uncomfortable.

She knew he had a weak stomach, requiring constant care and medication. But in her past life, despite her diligent care, it hadn't compared to a simple bowl of Evelina's soup. She'd never forget how he'd discarded her nutritious meal for it, his face alight with gratitude.

Determined, Lemira pretended not to notice and left the dining room.

Lucian watched her go, a sense of loss in his heart. Previously, any discomfort would have brought Lemira fussing over him. He bore the pain, assuming she no longer cared. It felt as if his heart had been slashed. He left the dining room, his steps unsteady.

Evelina remained, sensing a shift in Lucian's attitude. This wouldn't do; she needed to mend fences.

Back in her room, Lemira thought of Lucian's obvious pain. She forced herself not to dwell on it. Lucian didn't need her concern, not with Evelina's soup readily available.

She messaged Orion: Did my brother give you a hard time at school today?

Orion called immediately, his voice cool. "I presented evidence of their bullying and had a lawyer present. What could go wrong?"

Lemira chuckled. No wonder Alaric had been sent away.

"Kid," Orion said, "if they bully you again, I'll come get you right away."

Biting her lip, Lemira asked, "Why are you so good to me?" She instantly regretted the question.