After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 4

Asher's lace froze when he heard Elara's words. He wasn't about to a

argue anymore.

"If that's how you feel, fine. Walk your ass home," he said, completely unfazed, not a shred of guilt in his voice. Then he turned to his father. "Drive"

Jefferson glanced at Elara, then at Asher, remembering how Elara usually was with his son. No matter how ugly it gets, they'll make up in a couple of days. She's always easygoing, he figured.

With that in mind, Jefferson shrugged off Elara's dramatic reaction, started the car, and drove away.

Elara stood there, stunned by Asher's nerve. "Fucking assholes! she fumed inwardly.

People nearby snickered at the scene. "Serves her right. She was acting like a total bitch, they whispered, amused by her

situation.

To everyone's surprise, Elara laughed too-though it was a bitter, angry laugh. She fished out a phone-Asher's ancient, clunky Nokia. She'd actually traded her brand-new Apple 3, a birthday gift, for this piece of junk, all to spare his damn pride. The thought felt absurd now.

Still, she used the phone to call her father. A few minutes later, the same Maybach that had just left rolled back to the entrance. Jefferson stepped out, his face stormy. It was clear he'd been chewed out. "Miss Kensington," he said, his voice stiff, forced.

Elara didn't miss a beat. "You really screwed up this time, didn't you?" she said coldly

Jefferson threw a quick glance toward the car, where Asher was helping Daphne out.

Daphne, looking totally caught off guard, glanced nervously at Elara. "Elara, I know you don't like me, but there's no need to take it out on Asher. He's always been good to you," she said, trying to sound reasonable but clearly rattled.

Asher cut her off sharply. "Don't. Say. A word to her, he snapped, making it clear that Elara had gone too far for his liking.

Elara didn't bother responding to either of them. Instead, she slid into the back seat, rolling down the window just before they drove off. She looked at Asher one last time, her smile calm, but full of finality. "Goodbye."

As they pulled away from the school, Jefferson stole a glance at Elara through the rearview mirror

Her icy calm caught him off guard, and he felt compelled to say something. "Miss Kensington, couples fight all the time. Don't take it to heart. Asher will apologize later. But without a ride, that poor guy might have to take the bus. Who knows how long he'll be stuck out there."

icy, her voice sharp. If everyone else can take the bus, why the hell can't he? Or did you forget who signs your paycheck? If you've got a problem

he can talk to me like this? If I hadn't called my dad. they would've just fucking left

silent, realizing he

maid, Ursa Fowler stared at her, shocked. "Miss Kensington, why are you

ice-cold. "There's Mr. Blackwood in

guard. When the hell

backward for Asher, practically worshiping the ground he walked on. Even Asher and Jefferson had started acting

only piss Elara off. But hearing her

Chapter

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Still, because Ursa had always been caught up in Asher's drama, Elara had felt nothing but resentment toward her. Then, when Asher took over the family business, Ursa had

seeing Ursa standing here now, Elara's eyes stung with unshed

said. T'm going upstairs

Mr. Hawthorne stopped by

but that was her father's doing. Elara had always been head over

someone else send him

that happened, he still considered her his fiancée. That thought alone stirred up emotions she wasn't prepared for Before Ursa could leave. Elara called out, "Wait. Where is he? I want

in the backyard, playing

Cotton-the dog she had wanted for so long but kept her distance from because Asher hated pets. Watching Lysander now, so at ease

navy school uniform, nothing special, But on him, it looked good. Elara couldn't help but wonder how he managed

heard before her death-how someone as successful as Lysander had stayed single all these years. The idea hit her hard, and before she knew

like he wanted to

just greeted her softly, "Miss

It was his calm. grounded presence that really stood out. He was the same age as her, yet carried himself with

Lysander had already risen to the rank of four-star general. His success was practically legendary. and it had always been

of his silver-spoon upbringing and all those fancy schools. He was sure

for no real

it, she had no beef with him-Lysander had never done a thing

of her, Elara swallowed her emotions

you want?"

smile. Just wanted

added quickly. "Look, I know you don't wanna see me.