Chapter 81

Lemira's gaze was malicious, as if she were ready to pounce. Evelina took a step back. "Lemmy, why are you glaring at me like that? It's not like I knocked your things over."

Lucian approached with concern. "Lemmy, what's wrong?"

With considerable effort, Lemira suppressed her rising anger. "My stationery is ruined."

"How?"

Lucian glanced at the stationery, his face paling. "You go inside. I'll run to the store and get you some new supplies right away."

Regret gnawed at Lemira. She shouldn't have stayed with the Langstons. She had been careless. Determined, she planned to call Orion, having little faith in Lucian's promise.

Evelina chimed in, "Lucian, why not lend Lemmy mine in the meantime? I'll wait for you to bring the stationery."

"No need, I'll buy her new ones." Lucian turned to Lemira. "Lemmy, trust me, go inside, or you'll be late for the test."

Finally, Lemira gave Lucian a look before turning and walking towards the school to wait in the exam hall.

The day brought heavy rain and traffic jams, leaving them almost out of time. But Lemira had a sinking feeling. Evelina, passing by with her umbrella, feigned concern. "Hope Lucian makes it back before the test starts."

Lemira, holding her large black umbrella, silently watched ahead, ignoring Evelina's words. Evelina, feeling snubbed, stomped off. At heart, Evelina was resentful; she had hoped Lemira would only discover the faulty stationery during the test. Lemira sure was lucky.

The rain outside grew heavier. Lemira quickly called Orion. He answered instantly. "What's up? You should be in the classroom now."

"My stationery's broken. I'm waiting for Lucian to bring new ones, but he's not back yet."

Orion sat up straight. "Go wait in the classroom."

After hanging up, Lemira continued to watch outside until a teacher reminded her to enter the classroom.

After finding her seat and settling down, the bell rang. The principal hurried in, stationery in hand, which he handed to the proctor before it was passed to Lemira. She was surprised to see the principal delivering it but had no time to ponder as the test was about to begin.

As time ticked away, Lemira breathed a sigh of relief after finishing the first subject. Stepping out of the exam hall, she looked up at the clearing skies, feeling somewhat relieved.

As Lemira reached the school gates, Lucian rushed over. "Lemmy, how did it go? The rain was heavy, and it took the driver ages to find the stationery, but it was too late by then."

Lucian was drenched, his face etched with guilt. Lemira remained cool; she had anticipated this might happen. But now, she wasn't really angry. She had grown accustomed to disappointment from her brothers. It turned out that not caring spared one from pain.

Seeing Lemira's expression, Lucian felt a pang of fear. "Lemmy, say something, please? Or yell at me, that's fine."

Lemira took a step back, widening the gap between them. Lucian's heart sank.

Just then, Evelina burst out, "Lucian, you were late, weren't you? Didn't deliver the stationery in time? That must have affected Lemmy quite a bit." Seeing Lemira's impassive face, Evelina couldn't hide her smugness.

Lucian, feeling deeply remorseful, said to Lemira, "I'm sorry. It's entirely my fault. If the exam didn't go well for you, I'm willing to take a gap year with you."

Lemira suddenly let out a cold laugh. "Lucian, forget it. Let's just leave it at that." Lucian froze, wondering what she meant. He would have preferred Lemira to vent her anger and blame him, rather than this unsettling indifference.