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

sitting beside her, glanced

who it is," Elara

more times before she

mean?!" Asher's voice was boiling with anger on

sworn to herself she wouldn't get involved with him again, but there were

did, she knew she wouldn't be able

"What's got you so

-He'd planned to slip out right after the birthday party, cut Elara off once and for all. But

broke, unable to pay,

single cent. Why should I be the one footing the bill? Maybe you should ask your loyal fans-you know, the ones

257 PM 00

Chapter to

used to slip him tens of thousands every month, calling

like the big spender, always with a crowd around. None of them had a

"Elara, do you have to do this right now? What the hell do you want? Just name your price, and I'll do it. Just cover

"If you're asking for a favor, maybe

the same Elara who used to bend over backward for him. And Asher,

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

Asher gripped the phone tightly, his voice

around, eyes darting, waiting for someone to settle the tab. No one could leave, and Asher could feel the weight of all those

word, Elara hung up. She turned to Lysander. "I'll be back

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. When Elara walked in, the manager immediately greeted her with respect. "Miss

remembered how smug they'd been earlier, but now their arrogance 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

"Mr. Blackwood hasn't settled the bill yet, so

eyebrow, her voice smooth. "Oh, I see! No big deal, guys. No need to get all tense over something

without hesitation, and the manager quickly left to

payment.

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