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.

made her way down the stairs slowly, her gaze landing not just on

seemed genuinely apologetic, spoke to Barrett. "Mr. Kensington, I deeply apologize. It's my son, Asher-he's been acting out of line, and I've already dealt with him. I can assure you, he won't bother Elara again. "Elara?" Barrett's face darkened, his brow

never had much tolerance for the Blackwoods, father or son. If it weren't for the fear of driving Elara away, he wouldn't have let them set foot in his house to

Jefferson quickly backpedaled, forcing an awkward smile.

Elara moved gracefully down the stairs, Jefferson's eyes were glued to

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

Elara couldn't help but laugh. He looked like he'd rather jump off a cliff.

face.

off about her birthday, that much was obvious. A genuine apology from him?

said, "Mr. Blackwood, there's really no need for any of this. Asher didn't do anything to offend me, so there's nothing

him?" Jefferson's tone was starting to show a bit

got fired. But, of course, his situation was different. He'd been an

Tutoring Elara meant big bucks, and maybe, just

slowly, like she was explaining something obvious. "After years of tutoring, my grades haven't exactly improved. And Asher made it clear he

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

listened quietly, noting how calm and composed

when she insisted on having Asher as her

the one

mix of surprise and relief. 'Is my girl finally

for the day, Barrett signaled

the house, where the driver was already waiting for her in

And then, out of

it had gotten so bad that Asher's mom had walked out. From then on, Asher had lived with him, scrapping together money for school from relatives who probably didn't give a

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

was why Elara had always had a soft spot for him. She had gone out of her way to

had. She was just convenient, someone he could use. The girl he actually cared

eyes, and

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

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

and wo

tvu potband

The