After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 8

Elara turned around, and Lysander was still standing there. "Sorry about that. Ready to keep going"

Lysander frowned, concern flashing across his face. You sure you re alright? You don't seem like yourself"

Tm fine, really," she said quickly, even though her mind was drifting back to the stupid crap she'd done in the past.

It wasn't Asher that was bothering her. Honestly, seeing him now gave her a weird sense of relief. At least she wasn't stuck worrying about the future anymore.

Without Asher in the picture, she felt sure she wouldn't repeat the same screw-up-no HIV, no tragic ending this time

"I think I should head out" Lysander said again, hesitating for a moment before starting to turn away.

But Elara, panicked, stepped forward and grabbed his hand

He paused, glancing back at her with a confused look. "What's up?"

Elara didn't fully understand her own reaction either, but she wasn't blind to the fact that Lysander always seemed to pull away whenever Asher was around. It was like he couldn't handle being near the guy,

Thinking back she'd never really hidden her feelings for Asher. She'd been all over him, and it was obvious to everyone- including Lysander. They probably all thought she was obsessed with Asher.

And yeah, at one point, she was. If not for the disaster that happened before she crossed over, she might've never realized how wrong the wa

But now Lysander was here, staring at her. She let go of his hand, her voice soft but steady. Are you free on Saturday? Im thinking dinner at the Regal Crest. Want to join me!"

The Regal Crest Hotel was known for its food, and after starving to death in her past. she had a newfound appreciation for a good meal.

Before, she would've taken Asher without a second thought. But now, she found herself wanting Lysander's company

After all he was the one her father had picked for her to marry. If she played things right this time, she might actually end up marrying him after graduation.

at Lysander now-with his good looks, his height, and a family background to match Asher she was definitely a solid option. If he was down to spend his life with her, she wasn't exactly losing out Lysander raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning to invite Asher, are

shot back. "What, you want me to end up with him? Or do you just want me

Lysander said. way too

a date

in late Saturday afternoon-fashionably, of

familiar faces gathered at the entrance,

couldn't resist taking a jab. "Elara? You

show up

not really getting why Lizzie was being snarky. "Why

owner of the Regal Crest Hotel was practically family, and she

she wanted

Chapter 8

full of sarcasm. "Seriously? Asher hasn't even looked your way at school for days, and yet you still show up to his birthday party

when it hit her-today

her mind. If Lizzie hadn't said anything, she might have totally forgotten about the fact that she had organized everything

bash right here at the Regal Crest. It had been the kind

the night she found out

confronted Asher, but he hadn't even flinched. "Daphne and I like each other. Elara. Why

but that only lasted a couple of days before she caved and

Asher and Daphne didn't bother hiding anything. They flaunted their

even begged him to choose her, offering up

in front of her, Elara felt nothing. No anger, no jealousy, just a dull emptiness. She chose to ignore

arranged by her. The entire party

that she had stepped back, she was curious to see how Asher planned to handle things, enjoying his birthday bash on her tab

like she couldn't care less. She already had a table booked with Lysander, but she wasn't sure if he'd gotten there before

as the elevator doors slid open, she immediately spotted Asher, laughing with Daphne. The moment he saw her,

think showing up now is gonna make me forgive you

tried to use his anger to push her around, but this time. Elara just looked at him calmly, with a small, knowing smile. "Was there something you needed?" Feigning surprised. Asher raised his eyebrows. "Aren't you