When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 404

Matthew walked alongside her, "Let's ditch this place, it's pretty dull."

Lemira glanced at Matthew's sunglasses, "You always wear those shades, is it some kind of fashion statement?"

"Yeah, it's all about looking cool!"

Matthew awkwardly adjusted his sunglasses, striking a pose, "Cool, huh?"

Janice played along, "Super cool!"

They all headed out.

Lemira and Janice caught a cab and left.

Matthew stood there, waving goodbye until the cab was out of sight.

Michel approached, with a complex look, "Dude, don't tell me you're falling for her?"

Matthew had been sticking close to Lemira all night, like a knight in shining armor.

It was obvious to anyone that Matthew was acting out of the ordinary.

"What are you talking about, she's my brother's girl!"

"Your brother's girl, I knew I wasn't wrong back in Lyria. It really was your brother!"

Michel had thought he was mistaken.

Matthew, curious, "What's he doing in Lyria?"

"I'm not sure, just saw him with Lemira once and wasn't sure it was him."

Now it was pretty clear, it had to be Orion.

Michel asked, puzzled, "But what about the engagement rumors with Ms. Sinclair that have been going on for years, are those false?"

"If it wasn't true, how could it have lasted so long?"

"It’s all talk, my mom getting ahead of herself. My brother never acknowledged it, thinking time would make him accept, impossible."

Matthew knew his brother well; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

Suddenly, Michel removed Matthew's sunglasses, "Who gave you that black eye?"