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.

she let the

beside her, glanced

who it is," Elara said,

two more times

what the fuck is this supposed to mean?!" Asher's voice was boiling

satisfied Elara felt. She'd sworn to herself she wouldn't get

did, she knew she

"What's got

with a warning. "Just get your ass over here and pay the bill. Don't make this a scene." -He'd planned to slip out right after the birthday party, cut Elara off once and for all. But of course, she had to show up, probably just

was, flat broke, unable to pay, leaving

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, the ones always

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used to slip him tens of thousands every month, calling it a

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

have to do this right now? What the hell do you want? Just name your price,

"If you're asking for a favor, maybe try sounding like it.

wasn't the same Elara who

again, her tone light but cutting. "Not gonna beg? Fine. Whatever.

gripped the phone tightly, his voice low and

No one could leave, and Asher could feel the weight of

up. She turned to Lysander. "I'll be

clustered, all throwing each other uncomfortable glances, clearly waiting for Asher to pay up. No one could

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

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

No need to

her card without hesitation, and

payment.