When They Beg, I Rise!

She couldn't let the Langston family get under her skin.

They were practically strangers!

Lemira eyed the two men before her, "I'm going to hit the restroom."

After her words, she left the office. The blood on the floor was still there, but a janitor had already come to clean it up.

Once Lemira was out of sight, Thaddeus couldn't help but criticize, "You could show a little empathy, man. This was the time to walk Lemira out, maybe comfort her a bit."

"She's no delicate flower needing constant care!"

Orion glanced at the blood on the floor, "Seems like the Langstons haven't learned their lesson yet."

"They do need a lesson, but remember, the Langston Group started as a branch founded by Lemmy's parents. Even the company's name and location were chosen by her parents. Wouldn't she be devastated if it went under?" After all, it was a part of her heritage.

Orion's expression was icy as he turned and left the office, heading towards the restroom as well.

He saw Lemira had taken to the emergency stairs.

There she was, sitting alone on a step, lost in thought.

The image of Lucian cutting his wrist, the blood dripping, haunted her.

It just wouldn't fade away!

Orion settled beside her, whispering, "Need someone to talk to?"

Lemira turned to see him, a mix of tears and laughter in her eyes, "What are you doing here?"

"Offering some comfort!" Orion patted his shoulder, "Lean on me for a bit, no charge."

Lemira glanced at him and then rested her head on his shoulder.

She slowly closed her eyes, "Tell me, was I too harsh?"

"Remember how Asher used to scold you? And during exam time, all the stationery Lucian prepared for you was faulty, almost causing you to flunk." Lemira took a deep breath, "I know."

Orion flicked her forehead gently, "You're too nice. Time to lower those standards a bit."

"Ever heard the saying: 'Drop the decency, enjoy being a little wicked'?"

"Aren't you the one who told your followers your nickname was 'Ms. Mischief"?"

Lemira burst out laughing, "Stop it, that joke isn't even funny."

After a moment, she spoke, "I do hate them, and I'll never forgive them."

Lemira added, "But as a child, they were really kind to me. Treated me like I was too precious to touch or break."

That was until Evelina came into the picture.

Her parents died in a car crash when she was just a few years old.

The good times were truly good.

But the bad times... they cost her life!

Orion looked at her conflicted expression, feeling a pang of

.

sympathy, "But you've already paid the price, squared everything away."

Lemira thought of her past life, indeed.

She had died once, already paid her dues.

Sharing these thoughts made her feel significantly lighter.

She realized she was leaning on his shoulder, his arm naturally placed on the step behind her, making it look as if he was holding her.

She looked down, not moving.

Neither of them spoke, maintaining the pose.

Lemira's heartbeat quickened

uncontrollably, worried he might

hear it, she panickedly looked up, "Is it almost time?"

Just then, Orion looked down, his lips brushing across her forehead.

Neither had expected this.

Lemira scrambled to her feet, "We should head to the meeting."

Her foot missed a step, and he quickly pulled her into his arms, "Be careful."

Her cheeks flushed a deep red.

They were so close, the space around them tight and silent.

Now, it was just the two of them, and the sound of their mingling heartbeats.

She looked up, their eyes locking.

The distance between them slowly shrinking.