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.

a family background to match Asher she was definitely a solid

with him? Or do you just want me to avoid you again. like I

no." Lysander said. way

It's a date then.

late Saturday

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

little minion, spotted her immediately and couldn't resist taking a jab. "Elara? You actually had

show up

Lizzie was being snarky. "Why

the Regal Crest Hotel was practically family,

she wanted

Chapter 8

voice full of sarcasm. "Seriously? Asher hasn't even looked your way at school for days, and yet you

hit her-today was

said anything, she might have totally forgotten about the fact that she had organized everything with the hotel

birthday, when she had thrown him this extravagant bash right here at the Regal Crest. It had been the kind of event everyone talked about

she found out

each other. Elara. Why the hell shouldn't we

lasted a couple

and Daphne didn't bother hiding anything. They flaunted their relationship right in

so desperate she even begged him to choose her, offering up her father's company

and looking at the scene in front of her, Elara felt nothing. No anger, no jealousy, just

arranged by

see how Asher planned to handle things, enjoying his

elevator like she couldn't care less. She already had a table booked with

open, she immediately spotted Asher, laughing with Daphne. The moment he saw her, his gaze locked on like he'd been waiting for this

you say you weren't coming? Don't think showing up now

but this time. Elara just looked at him calmly, with