After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter

12

"Oh, girl! Every time I call, you act like I'm annoying you." Barrett teased with a smirk, then glanced outside. "Wait, hold up-is that the Hawthorne family's car?" Elara spun around, noticing the familiar car parked at

Her eyes were still a bit red from earlier, and she felt a flush of embarrassment as she realized Lysander probably saw.

She quickly turned back to Barrett, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, that's Lysander. He gave me a ride home after dinner."

Barrett arched a brow, clearly surprised. Just a while ago, she was practically fuming at the mere mention of Lysander's name.

When he first brought up the engagement, she had flat-out refused, saying she'd never have anything to do with him. And now! Dinner dates? This was something new. their gate. Lysander was stepping out, smooth and collected as ever.

Even though he was curious, Barrett kept it civil. "Lysander, why don't you come in for a minute?"

"Good evening, Mr. Kensington, Lysander replied, all polite and proper, though his tone had a slight detachment. "I'll have to take a rain check. Got somewhere I need to be."

He threw Elara a long, meaningful look-one that said way more than words-before he turned and slid back into the car.

Elara watched as the car drove off, then awkwardly followed her father into the house.

Barrett, always sharp-eyed, noticed the puffiness around her eyes. "Did he say something to piss you off?"

Elara quickly shook her head. "No, he was actually really nice."

She flopped down onto the couch, feeling Barrett's eyes still on her. It was weird seeing him so full of life and energy.

Hard to believe this was the same man who, in her memories, would eventually grow so much older, so much more distant, when he finally left this world. Barrett

kept digging for a bit, making sure she hadn't been mistreated. Once he was satisfied, he let it go.

00000

Monday morning, the sunlight barely creeping into the room, Elara woke up to Ursa's voice calling through the door. "Elara, Asher's here to see you."

Elara groaned, remembering the blowout from two nights ago. Things between her and Asher were done. Over. She knew it, and he well should too. There was no way she was going to keep putting up with his bullshit.

Still, she hadn't expected him to show up this early.

the stairs slowly, her gaze landing not just

apologize. It's my son, Asher-he's been acting out of line, and I've already dealt with

for the fear of driving Elara away, he wouldn't

quickly backpedaled, forcing an awkward smile. "Yes, of course. Miss Kensington-my apologies,

eyes were glued to her. "Morning,

over to Asher. He was sitting there, face dark like a thunderstorm, not saying a word, but it was clear he was

258 PM ct c

Chapter 12

of blowing

like he'd rather jump

face.

much was obvious. A

really no need for any of this. Asher didn't do anything

you fired him?" Jefferson's tone was starting to show

course, his situation was different. He'd been an ordinary worker. scraping by on a modest salary, putting in

meant big bucks, and maybe, just

she was explaining something obvious. "After years of tutoring, my grades haven't

respected his decision and let him go. There's no drama between us, and trust

how calm and composed Elara seemed while talking about the

headstrong she'd been when she insisted on having Asher as her tutor. Barrett had

the one to cut

'Is

classes and other plans for the day, Barrett signaled the

where the driver

standing there, his father by his side. And then, out of nowhere, Jefferson-who had been so polite indoors-raised his hand and slapped Asher across the face. Elara

had walked out. From then on, Asher had lived with him, scrapping together money for school from relatives who probably

he was old enough, he started supporting himself. And despite all that, the guy was brilliant-always ranking at

had always had a soft spot for him. She had gone out of her way to try to

He never had. She

her eyes, and made

she could feel the shift in her classmates vibe. They were acting way friendlier, some even

over with a sly grin. "Hey, Elara, word is your family's rolling in it.

is and

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