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.

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

end up with him? Or do you just want me to avoid you

said. way too

a date then. See you

late

bunch of familiar faces gathered at the entrance, all decked out

couldn't resist taking a jab. "Elara? You actually had the nerve

show up

Lizzie was

the Regal Crest Hotel was practically family, and she was a

she wanted

Chapter 8

voice 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 like it's no

it hit her-today

schoolwork that it had completely slipped her mind. If Lizzie hadn't said anything, she might have totally forgotten about the fact that she had organized everything with the hotel

on Asher's eighteenth birthday, when she had thrown him this extravagant bash right here at the Regal Crest. It had been the kind of event everyone

night she found out about

like each other. Elara.

given him the cold shoulder, but that only lasted a couple of days before she caved and made up

bother hiding anything. They flaunted their relationship right

one point, she'd been so desperate she even begged him to choose her, offering up her father's

nothing. No anger,

event tonight had been arranged by her. The entire party

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

straight into the elevator like she couldn't care less. She already had a table booked with Lysander,

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

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

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