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.

she wanted. But looking 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

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

said. way too

smirked, amused. "Good. It's a date then. See

late Saturday afternoon-fashionably,

she noticed a bunch of familiar faces gathered at the entrance, all decked out like

resist taking a

show up

not really getting why Lizzie was being

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

she wanted

Chapter 8

looked your way at school for days, and yet you still show up to his birthday

it hit her-today

hadn't said anything, she

back on Asher's eighteenth birthday, when she had thrown him this extravagant bash right here at the Regal

night she

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

a couple of days before

hiding anything. They flaunted their relationship right in her face at

even begged him to choose her,

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

detail of this event tonight had been arranged by her. The entire party was being paid

how Asher planned to handle things, enjoying his birthday bash on

straight into the elevator like she couldn't care less.

Daphne. The moment he saw her, his

say you weren't coming? Don't think showing up now is gonna make me forgive you that easily.

but this time. Elara just looked at him calmly, with a small, knowing smile. "Was there something you needed?" Feigning surprised. Asher raised his