Chapter 59

Lemira always sensed an air of mystery surrounding Orion. When she finally asked, he simply replied, "Yeah, the place you're living in is his." A best friend was always there to take the hit.

Orion then retired to a private room next door. A waiter entered respectfully, announcing, "Mr. Everhart, here's the menu." Orion took a seat in the back, leaning casually with part of his arm exposed. Lemira declined the menu, saying, "Just bring us some of your house specials." She had dined there in a past life and knew their menu was unique, changing daily based on the chef's selection. The waiter's presentation of the menu to Orion, however, hinted at his friend's considerable status.

At that moment, Lemira's phone buzzed incessantly. She saw numerous calls from Lucian, which she ignored. Soon, she received a text: "[Lemmy, something came up and the restaurant is closing early. We're in the parking lot. Where are you?]"

Closing early? Lemira was puzzled; the restaurant was still bustling. It must have been Orion using his influence. She replied, "You guys go ahead." When Lucian pressed for her location, she didn't respond. Looking up, she met Orion's deep gaze. "Your brother?" he asked.

"Yeah, he left," she replied.

"Good, now we can eat."

Orion's demeanor was remarkably calm, as if the evening's events were unremarkable. Lemira found this odd. Was he really just a school doctor? She quickly dismissed the thought. If Orion had such a significant background, why would he work as a mere school doctor? Perhaps he was simply helping her out of sympathy. She couldn't resist asking, "What did you say to Lucian just now?"

Orion's arm rested on the table, revealing a bit of his wrist. He replied, "Just small talk."

Just small talk? Lemira clearly saw Lucian's displeasure. Orion was turned away, so she couldn't see his expression. Either way, it seemed unlikely to be merely casual conversation.

Hesitantly, she said, "Orion, I appreciate your kindness, but this is Lyria. If Lucian gets fixated on you, it could spell trouble." She didn't want to involve anyone else in her affairs.

"So, that's why you moved back?" he asked.

"Yeah, just for a few more days. After the exams, I'll be free." Lemira's face lit up. She'd hoped for an easy life after her rebirth, but reality proved stubborn. In her previous life, she'd depended heavily on her brothers; this time, she aimed for independence—a good university and the pursuit of her desires.

Orion noticed her smile and understood her plans. The words he'd wanted to say remained unspoken. He had no right to interfere in her life.

After the meal, Orion asked, "What do you want to do?"

Lemira considered, "Play some games, maybe clear a few instance dungeons." That was her usual stress reliever.

Orion stood to leave. Lemira watched his tall figure depart. "Why were you here today? Were you dining with someone?" Earlier, she had seen him with a beautiful woman.

Orion paused at the elevator, his gaze lingering. "Just some business."

Just some business? That date must have been significant. Lemira felt a strange shift in her mood, quickly readjusting her mindset. She was supposed to be infatuated with her online crush, the man who would appear after her exams. Orion had been kind, perhaps out of sympathy initially, then through numerous rescues. She couldn't allow their relationship to become awkward or complicated.

They both headed back to the apartment.