Chapter 5
Lucian paused, retracting his hand. He hastened downstairs to find Evelina, her cheeks flushed crimson, clearly feverish. "I'll get the car; we're going to the hospital," he declared, Caspian echoing the sentiment.
Upstairs, Lemira lay sprawled across her bed, her face mirroring Evelina's feverish hue, sweat beading on her forehead. The night had been restless, filled with unsettling dreams that left her feeling both light and deeply disturbed.
Morning arrived with the incessant buzzing of her phone. Irritated, she reached for it, only to be met with a barrage of hateful messages. A video of her pushing Evelina into the pool had gone viral on the school's social media platform.
Evelina, a beloved student, had a legion of fans now unleashing their fury on Lemira. A near-explosive headache followed. Lemira retaliated, her replies sharp and venomous. The forum erupted, its moderators panicked by the sudden surge in traffic.
After sending the messages, Lemira tossed her phone aside, seeking solace in sleep. With her ties to the Langstons severed, public opinion meant little to her. She refused to endure unfair treatment any longer.
A sharp rap came at the door. "Miss Langston, it's time for school; you'll be late," the maid announced.
School remained a commitment she had to honor. Splashing cold water on her face, Lemira reminded herself of her goal: severing ties with the Langstons by finishing her course and securing a university place.
Dressed in her uniform, backpack in tow, she descended the stairs as Lucian and Caspian entered. Lucian, noticing her flushed cheeks, instinctively reached out to check her temperature. Lemira stepped back, avoiding his touch, and headed to the dining room. She needed a substantial breakfast to face the academic marathon ahead.
Lucian's hand hovered awkwardly before he withdrew it. Caspian scoffed, "Ungrateful wrench. She's tough as nails. Not like our Eve, frail since childhood. Lemira? Sick? Never."
Lucian silently agreed. Approaching the dining table, he said, "Evelina's ill. You're to look after her at school until she recovers. Understood?" He'd decided against coddling her. Since she didn't appreciate kindness, he would teach her gratitude.
Caspian added, "You owe Evelina's father a life debt, and you almost killed her. It's time you started making amends by taking good care of her."
Lemira focused on breakfast, forcing herself to eat despite her lack of appetite. Less than 100 days remained until the university entrance exam, her escape from the Langstons.
Caspian, dissatisfied with her silence, snatched her utensils, demanding her attention. "I'm talking to you! Can't you listen?"
Lemira looked up, her gaze steady.
Caspian demanded, "Get Eve warm water for her medicine. Fetch her lunch from the canteen and ensure it doesn't get cold. Go to the toilet with her if she needs to! Her dad saved your life; this is the least you can do. Am I clear?"
Lemira replied coldly, "Loud and clear," though her compliance was far from certain.
Stepping out of the mansion, she looked to the sky, fighting back tears. She'd thought a new life would spare her heartache, but Caspian's words stung, a stark contrast to the past when her illnesses had garnered Lucian's all-night vigil and Caspian's jokes to coax her to take medicine. Now, Evelina's frailty commanded all attention.
Later, when she developed a fever, she had to cope alone. Lemira swallowed her bitterness, got into the car, and closed her eyes, secretly comforted by the knowledge that less than 100 days remained.
Arriving at school, she went directly to the Senior Grade 3 classroom. The lively chatter hushed as she entered. Her online "exploits" had become the school's latest sensation.