When They Beg, I Rise!

So, she was determined not to make the same mistake twice!

Lemira's gaze was clear and unwavering, "Alaric, I wanna focus on my exams; I can't afford to get distracted by video games."

She had flat-out declined Alaric's suggestion. Or rather, his command. Alaric's words hadn't been a discussion; they were an announcement.

"Lemira, am I hearing this right? You're actually turning down my offer?" Alaric's face fell; he demanded she join the team, and had never anticipated her refusal. After all, Lemira had always been compliant these years, never once defying him. Standing her ground, Lemira retorted, "If it's an invitation, then it's within my right to decline."

She met his gaze squarely, watching his frustration grow, yet it was none of her concern.

Alaric, visibly irritated, warned her, "Think carefully before you answer, Lemira. Don't act out of spite, or you might end up regretting it when you're begging me for another chance!"

He had heard from Caspian about the recent incident where Lemira, in a fit of pique, had given away the gold trophy he had presented to her as an apology to Evelina.

That trophy, from the year he went pro and clinched the championship, held significant value to him. How dare Lemira give it away?

Evelina tugged on Alaric's sleeve carefully, "Ari, don't get mad. Joining your team is like a dream come true for me. Lemmy will come around."

Her words only fanned the flames of Alaric's anger. He felt Lemira was being ungrateful by refusing him.

Alaric glared at Lemira, "This is a one-time offer. Decide now, do you wanna be part of our family team or not?"

Lemira couldn't help but find the situation somewhat amusing. So, Alaric was just a puppet, easily manipulated by Evelina.

Evelina, feigning concern, urged, "Lemmy, just say yes. Don't upset Ari."

Lemira looked at her, "Evelina, since joining the team is your dream, I'll let you have my spot."

With that, she returned to her room, pulled out her textbooks, and started catching up on her studies. Much to her dismay, she found herself out of touch with the material and knew she had to make up for lost time quickly. Then, a servant knocked on the door, "Ms. Langston, dinner is served."

"Just bring it up here."

"But Mr. Lucian Langston and the others are waiting for you in the dining room."

The message was clear; she wasn't to dine alone in her room. Clutching her pen, Lemira realized she was still under the Langstons' thumb and had to play along for now.

She made her way to the dining room, where Lucian, Caspian, Alaric, and Evelina were seated around a long table, a setup typical for the Langstons due to their numbers. Lemira chose a seat at the far end of the table and silently began to eat. The dining room was initially tense, but Evelina's laughter soon lightened the mood.

Alaric, sweeping a glance at Lemira, declared purposefully, "Eve, we'll teach you to play later. With your smarts, you'll learn in no time, and you'll be just as good as someone!" Evelina's eyes sparkled with joy, "Ari, I'll do my best. I won't hold you back!"

Lemira, unfazed by their conversation, thought it was for the best. If Evelina joined and they failed to the playoff, it would be Alaric's last chance.

She continued to eat quietly with head bowed, not bothering to look at those in the jovial chatter or to throw any tantrum as she had done before. It no longer mattered to her. After finishing her meal quietly, she stood up, "I'm done. Enjoy your dinner." She felt it necessary to excuse herself, to avoid any potential lectures.

Lucian looked up, surprised not to see Lemira throwing a tantrum or showing jealousy. She seemed much colder now.

With a hint of compassion, Lucian asked, "Lemon, are you sure you don't want to join us? You have a real talent for gaming. Imagine us, all together, winning the championship!" It was as if he was offering Lemira a way back in.