When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 527

Lemira's eyes turned icy the moment she heard those words. She couldn't stand anyone talking about Orion like that.

She glared at Lucian. "Let me make this clear one last time: Orion is the man I love."

"You're too young to even know what love is," Asher retorted, clearly frustrated that Lemira hadn't called it quits yet. "Now that you're in Orvin with the Langston family backing you, the man you marry will be someone from high society, not some broke school doctor!"

Lemira let out a derisive laugh. "Who I marry is none of your business."

"Of course it is! You're my sister, Lemira. If you tie the knot with a poor school doctor, what do you think that'll make me look like?"

Asher had already mapped out the futures of both his sisters. Since they were staying in Orvin, marrying into wealth was the plan. It would mean a good life for them and benefits for the Langston family.

Evelina chimed in timidly, "Lemmy, Asher's just thinking about your future. What's the point of marrying a pauper?"

Though truth be told, Evelina would love for Lemira to end up with someone penniless, she knew the more she pushed, the more defiant Lemira would become.

Lemira shot back, her words venomous, "What, like you with Dorian? Throwing yourself at him, only to be insulted and rejected by Mrs. Grace Draven?"

Evelina's face flushed with anger. "You're making that up! Dorian and I are just friends."

"Save it for the gullible. Dorian's been bragging to his buddies about how he had you, even claiming he took your virginity."

Asher's temper flared, and he slapped Evelina hard across the face. "Have you no self-respect?"

Evelina was stunned, her cheek stinging, unable to believe how quickly Asher turned on her.

Asher's face was dark with anger. "Well? Say something!"

Evelina stammered, "Asher, I— I was sweet-talked by Dorian."

"Orion's not a nobody, and besides, I have my own money. I don't need to marry up to improve my status. Unlike you, Asher, I'm not willing to sacrifice everything!"

Lemira was hinting at Asher's own situation as a live-in son-in-law with the Waverlies.

Asher's anger flared. "Lemira, say that again, I dare you."

"I said I'm not you. I won't sacrifice myself for an arranged marriage. Being a live-in son-in-law must be tough, huh? You don't even dare to tell the family about it!"

Her eyes were cold, and Asher realized she wasn't bluffing.

Asher's eyes reddened with rage. "Everything I've done is for this family, to make sure you never go hungry or worry. Was I wrong?"

"The Langston family hasn't lacked for anything in ages. This is all about your ambition."