After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 7

Daphne glanced at Asher and said, "Since Elara's not coming, why don't we just go without her and bring her something later?" "No need," Elara cut in, polite but firm.

Everyone knew Daphne as the considerate one, always being nice to Elara, even when others gave her strange looks.

But Elara hated owing anyone. She grabbed her things, stood up, and walked downstairs alone, purposely not joining them.

As they were about to leave, Daphne, following right behind Asher, asked, clearly confused, "What the hell's her problem? She's not even looking at you. Did you piss her off or something?" Asher kept silent, just as clueless. Normally, no matter how cold or distant he was, Elara would always stick by him like a shadow.

But since yesterday, she'd suddenly started acting all distant, and he couldn't figure out what had changed.

"Oh, by the way, you're still inviting her to your birthday this weekend, right?" Daphne asked, reminding him.

This weekend was Asher's birthday. Last year, Elara had thrown him a huge party at the Regal Crest Hotel. She'd taken care of everything-every tiny detail-and made sure the whole class was there.

The party had cost a ton of money, and people still talked about it. Being invited to Asher's birthday was like a badge of honor. This year was supposed to be the same deal. Just a few days ago, Elara had told him everything was set. But ever since yesterday, when she said she was "letting him go, Asher had felt off. And today, her distant attitude was making him even more nervous. 'If she doesn't show up, will the party even happen?" he thought. Watching her walk away, Asher tried to calm himself. Why the hell am I stressing? Elara's definitely gonna be there. No way she'd miss my birthday. Maybe she's just acting cold to mess with me, part of some surprise or whatever." Feeling slightly reassured, Asher turned to Daphne. "She's definitely coming."

Daphne nodded. "Yeah, she's always at your birthday. No way she'd skip it."

That afternoon, Asher and Daphne were tied up rehearsing for the school anniversary show, while Elara didn't bother waiting around for Asher and headed straight home.

When she got there, Lysander had already been waiting with his dog, Cotton. The sight of him standing there made Elara

smile.

There was just something about him-maybe it was some strange, time-travel vibe-but being with him made every moment feel like it mattered. Lysander caught the smile and was a little thrown off. He was so used to her being distant, even cold, that her warmth now was kind of unsettling. "You're here early," Elara said softly.

replied, keeping

the study," she said,

tough concepts, so she figured this was the perfect chance to

in the study, in what used to be Asher's spot. But honestly, even when Asher was around, he never really helped her with her studies. Half the time, it felt like

them seriously and handed them over when

Chapter 7

bit

"You just need a better

Elara nodded. "Okay"

explaining everything clearly and breaking down the problems so simply that even the tough stuff started to make

a sip of water. He

throat and turned back to the papers. "What? You

small smile. "No, it's just... you're really patient with me. But when

quickly shook his head. "Fuck, no. It's not like that. My family was over yesterday, so I got tied up with them. I saw

said, her smile widening, feeling a bit more

they were busy working,

and Asher's pissed-off voice came through loud and clear. "Elara, what

did I do now?" She had no idea what he was

my stuff out?"

would you still be staying at my place? I'm in

else.

up and thrown out like trash. He couldn't wrap his head around it-Elara was actually kicking him out. "What the hell

to Lysander. "Shall we continue?" she asked. Lysander nodded, and they went back to

take long, though, before the door suddenly burst open. Asher stormed in, anger written all over his face. When he saw Elara sitting there with Lysander, a flicker of disgust flashed in his