After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter

11

Asher shot her a dark, pissed-off glare, his eyes burning with frustration and resentment. All his life, no matter how down-and-out he'd been, he'd never been humiliated like this.. Right now, it felt like every person in the room was staring at him, soaking in his embarrassment.

And the worst part was that he couldn't say a damn thing. The words just wouldn't come. Elara might just toss the money right back and leave him standing there, looking like a total fool. He decided to ignore her. Screw her. He spun around, fists clenched, and stormed off.

Daphne saw it all-awkward didn't even begin to cover how she felt. Regret was gnawing at her, but there was nothing she could do except trail after him.

This day was a train wreck. She'd spent all that time bragging to her classmates about her relationship with Asher, making it sound like they were some power couple.

She thought being with Asher, who she believed was the rich heir to some big-shot family, would bring her admiration, maybe even a little envy.

But, nope-reality hit her like a truck. The guy was just the son of a driver. "What the hell was all that bullshit about him being rich? she cursed to herself.

As the two of them stormed out, Elara glanced around the room and sighed, her voice calm but with an edge. "Alright, if there's nothing else, let's call it a night. It's getting late.

Slowly, the crowd started shuffling out of the Gallery Room. Elara waited until the room was almost empty before she moved to leave. The manager escorted her to the elevator, and they ended up running into Lysander Elara paused, her eyes locking onto him. "You're still here?"

Lysander gave her a lazy smile and stepped closer. Just wrapped things up. You done too?"

Elara nodded, her face unreadable. "Yeah, done for the night"

They stepped into the elevator together. Elara seemed lost in her own head, unusually quiet.

She'd managed to clear her name in front of everyone, but honestly, it didn't feel as good as she'd hoped.

The years

of shit she'd gone through-this little bit of payback against Asher didn't even come close to making up for it.

Lysander picked up on her mood and didn't push it. He just stood by her, his presence steady and silent.

with an unexpected sight-Hadden, waiting there. The second he spotted Elara, he made a beeline straight for her, not even sparing

though

were so many issues, and it was all because of my idiot cousin. Ive already sent his ass packing!" Elara let out a sigh, feeling a weight lift. "I was just doing

you even know about the fire safety issues

for a split second, then shrugged and went for it. "1.

Well, whatever it was, I'm glad you did! Oh, and by the way. I've got something for both of

appreciation. And listen, if you ever need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me. I

wasn't about to forget what

just as the Hawthorne family's car rolled

wandering out the cars

streets were

unusually quiet, a far cry from her

about the Ere hazards at the Regal Crest Hotel? he wondered. She seems to know more about

Room. She had blown off Asher's birthday party, choosing

for good? Then why did

for long. She knew she had a second shot at life, and as long as she avoided the mistakes from before, she

tired, though-burning the midnight oil with her studies had

leaned into Lysander, her head resting

breathing, worried that any move he made would wake

Mr. Hawthorne, the driver said

He hesitated, not sure if he should wake her. The driver waited ourside patiently, but Lysander couldn't bring himself to disturb her peaceful sleep- Elara slowly stirred awake. She blinked, then looked out the window, realizing they were already home. She glanced at Lysander, noticing

stiff neck, she straightened up.

"Yeah," Lysander said softly.

didn't you wake me?"

Didn't wanna disturb you," he

for a moment, catching a slight flush at the tips of

innocence ran.

finally turned to meet her eyes. "Are you

for a second, then shook his

keep dodging my eyes? You act like I'm some