Chapter 82

It felt as though he were a stranger. Lemira turned and walked away, toward Orion, who stood patiently with a black umbrella. She quickened her pace, asking, "Was it you who asked the principal to deliver the stationery to me?"

Orion, seeing her smile, guessed she wasn't overly distressed. Hiding his amusement, he replied calmly, "Yeah."

"Thanks a lot, you've been a huge help!" She patted her stomach. "I'm starving. Let's grab some lunch. I have to prepare for the exam this afternoon."

As Lemira entered the car, Lucian's frantic voice cut through the air. "Lemmy, where are you going? I need to talk to you!" He clung to the car door, his face etched with panic.

Lemira replied expressionlessly, "No need."

"Lemmy, I really didn't mean to be late."

Her gaze was steady and direct. "I know. So, can you let go now?"

But Lucian didn't. He didn't dare. He feared that if he let go, Lemira would never return.

Thaddeus, unable to bear it any longer, stepped forward, grabbing Lucian by the collar. "Look, buddy, this isn't cool! I'm her brother. Is this fun for you?" Lucian's voice rose slightly.

Thaddeus snorted. "Never seen a brother screw things up like you. The stationery was from you, and it just happened to break. Then you solemnly promised to wait, only to be late. What kind of malicious thoughts does your family harbor?" Thaddeus, having witnessed Lemira's distress firsthand, couldn't contain his anger. It was outrageous! It was clear the stationery couldn't have broken itself.

Lucian was stunned. "I didn't know."

"If you didn't know, then find out! Harassing Lemira, forcing her to forgive you—what's that about? I'm worried that next time it might be something wrong with her food, and she ends up sick during her exams!" Thaddeus's rebuke was sharp and unwavering.

Lucian was shoved aside, watching Lemira drive away. At thirty years old, he felt panic for the first time.

Evelina approached, feigning concern. "Lucian, Lemmy is right to be angry; you really were late. But exams are important. You should let Lemmy stay at home." If Lemira left, how could she continue her plans?

Lucian felt desperate, his voice hoarse. "Where's Zack? He was the one who prepared the stationery!" He needed to know why Lemira's stationery was damaged.

Evelina tensed immediately. "Lucian, why would you suspect Zack? My stationery was also from him, and there were no issues." But Lucian, his face stern, walked away.

Evelina clenched her fists, immediately texting Zack: (Lucian is coming to check on you, be careful.) Though Lemira had left, the incident had undoubtedly affected her. Good. Lemira probably didn't want to deal with Lucian anymore.

Sitting in the car, Lemira watched the rain outside, now falling more gently. The car was quiet. Orion glanced at her, his voice calm. "Don't let it affect you. For the next few days, don't go back there." Lemira nodded. "I was thinking the same. Staying in the apartment is less hassle."

By the afternoon exam, the rain had stopped. Lemira found the math problems challenging but manageable. Leaving the exam hall, she heard a collective groan; everyone agreed the math had been difficult.

As Lemira walked out of the school gates, she saw Lucian. She paused, then lowered her head and walked away.

13:09

Chapter 82

Lemming. "Lemmy, I've brought Zack here to apologize to you."