Janice nodded, "Good idea, it's almost noon. How about we grab some lunch together?"

Lemira got up to wash up and change before heading out.

But then Stella chimed in, "Mind if I join you guys for lunch?"

Lemira didn't mind. She glanced at Janice, and they both nodded in agreement. Stella breathed a sigh of relief, grabbed her cane, and followed them downstairs. Lemira turned to Janice, "Why don't we head to the campus cafeteria? It's closer." Stella wasn't exactly nimble on her feet, and a long walk might be uncomfortable for her.

The three of them made their way to the cafeteria for lunch.

Janice glanced toward the school gate, "That car's still there."

Lemira followed her gaze and immediately recognized Orion's car. She was surprised he was still waiting outside the school.

Checking her phone, Lemira noticed several messages from Orion, all asking if

she was awake and if she wanted to join him for lunch at Bistrova.

She replied, "I'm up, but I've got classes today, so I can't make it."

As soon as she sent the message, her phone rang.

Janice suggested, "Maybe you should take the call and explain."

Lemira stepped into the corridor to answer. Orion's deep, husky voice came through, "Are you feeling alright? Bistrova's hangover soup works wonders. I can bring some over."

"No need to trouble yourself. I'm fine now," Lemira replied, her tone a bit distant.

Orion rubbed his temples, "Lemira, I had something come up last night and couldn't get back to you. I'll make sure to let you know in advance next time."

Standing in the hallway, Lemira

looked at the car parked by the gate. Her eyes were a bit misty. "I understand, but I'm quite busy lately. ter's talk after things settle down

She genuinely needed time to think things over. She was avoiding the situation just as much as he was.

Orion sighed, "Alright, I've got something to discuss with you too."

His grandmother was still in the hospital, and he wanted Lemira to meet her. But

before that, he had to come clean about his identity.

Who would've thought they'd hit a rough patch now?

After the call ended, Orion rolled down the car window and lit a cigarette. He wasn't a regular smoker, on lighting up when he felt

stressed like now when he couldn't

figure out how to fix things with Lemira.

He had to find a way to patch things up soon, or she'd be even more upset once she learned the truth about him. Googlᴇ search Find1Novel.net

Lemira returned to the table, feeling a void inside as she watched the car drive away. She picked at her food, her mind elsewhere.

Janice asked, "Did he leave?"

Lemira sighed, "Yeah, he's gone. I'll give it a couple of days before reaching out."

Janice turned to Stella, "Lemira and Orion are in a relationship, so that's one

thing. But with your fiancé, you might want to watch out for any ulterior motives."

Stella hesitated, "I looked into my

fiancé's family. He has a sister hel

very fond of but she's not his biological sister. The family has supported her a lot over the years."

Lemira's eyes widened in surprise. Was she referring to Evelina? Clearly, the Waverlies weren't oblivious to the situation.

But why was Stella suddenly sharing all this? Was she fishing for information?

Janice slammed her hand on the table in frustration, "Another adopted sister? Is there ever a good story with those?"

Stella's expression grew more complex. When Janice left for the restroom, she turned to Lemira, "What do you think?"

"Ms. Waverly, if you want to know about Asher and Evelina's relationship, there's no need to beat around the bush."

Stella's face flushed with surprise, clearly not expecting Lemira to be in the know.