When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira stared at the message, zoning out for a moment.

Fresh out of the shower, Janice asked, "Lemira, what's got you daydreaming?"

"What does it mean when a guy says he wants to talk about feelings, not finances?"

Janice's face lit up with intrigue. "Could be one of two things."

"Do tell."

"First, he's into you, trying to drop a hint."

Lemira shook her head. "No way."

"Then, it's the second option: he's looking to hook up without spending a dime. Going Dutch without even splitting the bill."

Lemira couldn't help but laugh at the thought. That was even less likely.

She glanced at her phone and replied with just an ellipsis.

Orion saw her response and muttered to his driving boxing coach, "That plaster I sent last time, have the delivery guy drop off another batch." The coach nodded.

Heading straight to their usual hangout spot, Orion sat down and pinched the bridge of his nose. Thaddeus approached, "Yo, Orion, what's with the arm? Got yourself a pink band-aid fortress there." The others crowded around, "Damn, it really is pink."

One of them reached for the band-aid, only to have Orion smack his hand away, "Don't touch." "Man, you're protective over a peeling band-aid?"

"It must be special. A girl put it on you?"

"Pink band-aids? Must be a young one. She even legal?"

Orion frowned, "Back off, all of you. Don't ask."

Thaddeus cleared the onlookers and sat down, "Lemira's work, huh?"

Orion didn't deny it.

"Why'd you suddenly text me to cut Dorian off from his allowance, banning him from Bistrova?"noveldrama

"A lesson!"

Orion remembered Evelina flaunting earlier, eager to stand up for Lemira.

After sharing the story, Thaddeus clicked his tongue, "That Evelina's a real piece of work. Don't worry, I've got this. Edith hates that fake innocent type, especially those playing poor." en

Orion sipped some red wine, holding back another issue.

"What's up?"

"Nothing."

He thought of Lemira chatting with Matthew, both young and of the same age.

The thought made the wine taste bitter.

---

The next day, Lemira received a generous delivery of plaster.

She snapped a photo for him and transferred some money.

Then, she headed to class.

Janice whispered, "Boyfriend? Or someone interested?"

"Neither, just a friend."

Changing the subject, Lemira mentioned, "There's a gaming

banquet this weekend.

swnovel

Lots of insiders will be there. You in?"

"Sure, sounds interesting."

"We'll go together."

Lemira also needed to secure some sponsors at the banquet.

Soon, her phone pinged. Hoping for Orion's reply, she checked, but it wasn't him.

Michel messaged, [Don't forget this weekend's dinner.]

[I won't.]

After responding, she glanced at her chat with Orion-no reply.

She noticed the same with Matthew.

Maybe Matthew misunderstood her too.

She messaged Matthew, [I think you got me wrong earlier. I wasn't trying to dig for weaknesses to make you back out. That wasn't my

Swnention.]

After sending it, Lemira felt her explanation was a bit far-fetched.

Orion mentioned Matthew's mom disapproved of gaming.

Could Matthew's dropout last time have been due to family, not what she suspected?