After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter

9

For the first time ever, Asher actually took a step back. It was obvious just how much this birthday party meant to him.

If he didn't care about his image, he wouldn't bother acting like the rich kid at school, and he sure wouldn't have gone all inviting so many people to his party

So, he does care about his reputation after all, Elara thought with a smirk. Seeing Asher-normally so cold and aloof-bend over backwards for a birthday party was almost hilarious to her.

She gave a slight nod and said, "Well, it's your birthday, and I don't want to ruin everyone's fun, right?" Then, turning to the manager, she added. I booked one of the private dining rooms under Asher Blackwood's name" The manager checked and confirmed, "Yes, Miss Kensington"

Elara smiled politely. "Since it's Asher's special day, let him have the room," she said, turning back to Asher. "That work for you?"

Seeing her finally give in, Asher let out a small sigh of relief.

But then his voice turned sharp, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "You did all this just to keep me away from Daphne, didn't you? You just can't stand seeing us together

Elara didn't flinch, her voice steady, "You're giving yourself too much credit. I don't give a damn who you're with. But one day Asher, you'll realize-without me, you're nothing

The manager stood there, awkwardly witnessing the verbal slap she just delivered

"I'm done with you, Asher growled, turning on his heel and storming off.

The manager quickly turned to Elara, trying to ease the tension. "I'll have the private room ready for you, Miss Kensington." Elara nodded. "Great. And make sure he pays the bill before he leaves. Nobody skips out on the check." "Understood, Miss Kensington."

Once everything was settled, Elara left to go find Lysander

Meanwhile, Asher returned to Daphne, who immediately noticed his dark expression. She looked at him with concern. "What happened? What did she say?"

her

her damn mind. After tonight's party. Elara can go to hell. I'm done with her Lysander wasn't in his usual school

Lysander was browsing the menu. He looked

smile. "Have you been

got here, Lysander replied, his

and cute, though he couldn't help noticing she seemed a little thinner than the

were plenty of other seats,

Elara didn't seem to notice. "Have you ordered yet?" she asked,

checking out the menu,"

said, leaning in closer

even concentrate on the

wasn't overpowering, just enough to make him curious. He found himself wondering what kind of

dishes, hoping the heat would jolt her back to reality. The days when she

time, those painful memories

she fanneil herself, grabbing for her cold drink to cool the burn. Noticing her reaction, Lysander asked, "You

a grin, then grabbed his fork and helped

standby, ready to serve. Just then, Hadden Mann, the owner of the Regal Crest

him with a polite

her. "Elara! What a

hope everything's to your satisfaction." Hadden knew Lysander's real identity, thanks to his close ties with Elara's father. Almost no one in Brookfield knew who Lysander really was, let alone that he was the heir to the Hawthorne family from Starfield City Lysander just gave a small smile and muttered a casual "Yeah, thanks, before going back to his food. His cool detachment

be around, but seeing

for small talk.

lingered for a while, even pouring water for Lysander himself, but the awkward silence

Hadden took the hint and politely excused himself. "T'll leave you

lighting up with that warm,