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.

keeping it short and

the

been struggling with some tough concepts, so she figured this was

he never really helped her with her studies. Half the time, it

and handed them over

Chapter 7

bit embarrassed, said, 'Sorry... I'm really bad at

"You just need a better way to approach it. Let's work through the basics,

Elara nodded. "Okay"

breaking down the problems so simply that even the tough stuff started to make sense

a sip of water. He noticed Elara watching him, which made him a

and turned back to the papers. "What? You

you're really patient with me. But when you text me, you're so damn cold. You barely respond!

shook his head. "Fuck, no. It's not like that. My family was over yesterday, so I

smile widening, feeling

working, Elara's

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

now?" She had no idea what he was so

seriously throw my stuff out?" Asher

why the hell would you still be staying at my place? I'm in the middle of something right now, so stop wasting my time. And with that, she

else.

out like trash. He couldn't wrap his head

continue?" she asked. Lysander nodded, and they

over his face. When