Chapter 8

Lemira's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the sharp-tongued school doctor. Was he actually speaking up for her? Did he believe her?

Tears welled up. Even a stranger understood what her brothers couldn't, or perhaps wouldn't, grasp. They might understand, but chose to favor Evelina, refusing to see the truth.

Evelina's face froze, teeth clenched in frustration. What did the doctor mean? Didn't he hear she intended to fetch Lemira lunch, despite her illness? Why wasn't he swayed by her seemingly kind act, choosing instead to defend Lemira? Her tactic always worked before. Evelina couldn't utter a word, her head drooping in feigned sorrow.

Caspian stepped forward, defending Evelina. "Eve came to class despite being sick because exams are less than 100 days away. She didn't want to fall behind. She's just trying to mend fences with Lemira, but someone just doesn't appreciate it."

Lemira found it ironic. That morning, Caspian had reminded her to care for Evelina, to wait on her hand and foot. And that didn't interfere with his studies? So, he was aware exams loomed; it was just that her exams weren't as important as Evelina's.

Lucian intervened, "Caspian, take Eve home to rest."

"Lucian!"

"Are you not listening to me?"

Caspian fell silent and left with Evelina. The infirmary quieted.

Lucian frowned. "Lemmy, if you don't want to take care of Evelina, fine. But don't ever do something like this again."

Lemira kept her head down, her throat tight, refusing to speak. She pulled the blanket over her head, wanting to see none of them anymore.

"Lemira, if you keep this up, I can't protect you anymore," Lucian's patience was wearing thin. He pulled the blanket away. "Come home with me. We need to talk." He needed to talk today. Evelina couldn't keep getting hurt like this.

Orion held Lucian back, his gaze icy. "She can't leave until she's finished her IV. Family members, please wait outside!" His imposing stance brooked no argument.

Lemira looked up, stunned by his commanding presence as he stood before her brother. She noticed a stark, ugly scar on his wrist, similar to one she had on her leg from a childhood car accident. Had he also been in a car accident?

Lucian, unyielding, retorted, "I'm her brother. I'm taking her home. We have doctors there."

"So why did you let her fever go untreated for so long, since there are doctors?" Seeing Lemira's pale face, Lucian felt a twinge of guilt, but defended himself, "She didn't tell us she was sick." He'd even tried to check her temperature that morning, but she'd dodged his hand. Was that his fault? Perhaps Lemira was deliberately neglecting her health to avoid responsibility.

Orion's tone was stern. "Sir, if you attempt to take her by force, I will call the police and report you for child abuse. According to the law, if a child is a victim of domestic violence, they can request a restraining order."

"I'm her brother, her legal guardian!"

"But just now, I witnessed you hit her—committing violence—with surveillance cameras as evidence. I believe the officers will make a fair judgment."

Orion remained calm yet unyielding. "She doesn't want to go with you. You have no right to force her."

Lemira's heart fluttered; her gaze sneakily admired the man who stood protectively before her.