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.

waiting there. The second he spotted Elara, he made a beeline straight for her, not even sparing Lysander a glance. "Elara," he called,

greeted, even though her mind

from a complete disaster. I just went over everything myself-there were so many issues, and it was all because of my idiot cousin. Ive already sent his ass

did you even

then shrugged and went for it. "1. uh... I dreamed

it was, I'm glad you did!

with bags, neatly packed and clearly fancy. "Just a small token of appreciation. And listen,

wasn't about to forget what

door just as the Hawthorne family's

bar kurat, her eyes wandering out the cars crawling

streets were

far cry from her usual thatty self when they were

her, just kept his thoughts to himself. How the hell did she know about the Ere hazards at the Regal Crest Hotel? he wondered. She seems to know more about that

about the scene at the Gallery Room. She had blown off Asher's birthday party, choosing

she really cutting ties with him for good? Then why did the look so damn sad

she had a second shot at life, and as long as she

midnight oil with her

Lysander, her head resting on his shoulder, and drifted

barely breathing, worried that any move he made would wake

the driver said quietly from

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

neck, she straightened up. "We're here

"Yeah," Lysander said softly.

didn't you wake me?" she asked,

it. Didn't wanna disturb you," he said, his voice calm,

for a moment, catching a slight flush at the tips of his ears. For all his usual coldness, it hit

innocence ran.

and he finally turned to meet her eyes. "Are you scared

a second, then shook his

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