After Death, Love Unveiled

hapter 10

After Hadden walked out, Elara gave Lysander a puzzled look. "Why'd you help me?"

She had a ton of information to back her up, sure. But from Lysander's point of view, there was no way he could've known

that.

Lysander leaned back casually. "You asked for help. Why wouldn't I?"

"Aren't you worried I might be full of shit?"

Lysander just smirked. "And if you are? So what? Even if you're making it all up, no skin off my back. It's just a simple favor for him."

His laid-back attitude, the easy confidence in his voice, sent a warm glow through Elara. It made her feel trusted. Something she hadn't felt in a long, long time.

Her mind flashed back to when she was diagnosed with HIV. No one believed her. Everyone jumped to conclusions, assuring she'd been careless, reckless even.

If she had been, maybe she could've accepted the blame. But she hadn't.

People were cruel, keeping their distance, treating her like she was tainted. Eventually, she'd started to hate herself too.

But deep down, she knew the ones who had framed her-they knew her innocence better than anyone.

of

After dinner, Elara and Lysander didn't rush to leave. They ordered dessert, taking their time, enjoying the rare moment o peace

Elara focused on her assignments, biting into her dessert, while Lysander patiently walked her through the problems she couldn't solve on her own. They stayed like that until night fell.

Later, when Asher's birthday party wrapped up and everyone was about to leave, there was a hold-up-Asher hadn't paid the bill.

Elara, but she

beside her, glanced over.

it

more times

mean?!" Asher's voice was

more satisfied Elara felt. She'd sworn to herself she wouldn't get involved with him again, but there were

until she did, she knew she

gave a sly smirk, teasing, "What's

slip out right after the birthday party, cut Elara off once and for all. But of course, she had to show

flat broke, unable to pay, leaving everyone

birthday, and I haven't spent a single cent. Why should I be the one footing the bill? Maybe you should ask your loyal fans-you know,

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Chapter to

to slip him tens

take it like it was his due, always acting like the big spender, always with a crowd around. None of

now? What the hell do you

asking for a favor, maybe try

in his ragged breathing through the phone. But she wasn't the same Elara who used to bend over backward for him. And Asher, now,

cutting. "Not gonna beg?

gripped the phone tightly, his voice low and strained through

No

turned to Lysander. "I'll be back in

all throwing each other uncomfortable glances, clearly waiting for Asher to pay up. No one could move, and Asher had to suffer under their silent judgment.

had crumbled. Nothing wipes out someone's pride faster than being trapped with no way to pay the bill. Elara bearned, her smile as bright as ever. "What's going on, everyone? Isn't this Asher's big birthday party? Why the long faces?' Her gaze slid deliberately toward Asher Blackwood, whose expression was stormy with anger. Daphne stood nearby, clearly confused and unsure of

stepped in, explaining. "Mr. Blackwood hasn't settled the

deal, guys. No need to

without hesitation, and

payment.