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.

landing not just on Asher, but also on his father, Jefferson, who was standing beside

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 tightening with clear displeasure.

Blackwoods, father or son. If it weren't for the fear of driving Elara away, he wouldn't have let them set foot in

mistake, Jefferson quickly backpedaled, forcing an awkward smile. "Yes, of

down the stairs, Jefferson's eyes were glued to her. "Morning, Miss Kensington. I brought

was sitting there, face dark like a thunderstorm, not saying a

258 PM ct c

Chapter 12

edge of

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

face.

was still pissed off about her birthday, that much was obvious. A genuine apology from him? Not happening,

for any of this. Asher didn't do anything to offend me,

I heard you fired him?" Jefferson's tone

rattled when he got fired. But, of course, his situation was different. He'd been an ordinary worker. scraping

bucks, and maybe, just maybe, a shot at the Kensington fortune down the

son and Elara, Jefferson couldn't just sit back and watch the opportunity slip away. Elara sighed and spoke slowly, like she was explaining something obvious. "After years of

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

and composed Elara seemed

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

one

of surprise and relief. 'Is my girl finally growing up?'

Elara had classes and other plans for the day, Barrett signaled the staff to show Asher

driver was already waiting for her

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

From then on, Asher had lived with him, scrapping together money for school

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

She had gone out of her way to try to make his life easier, doing whatever she

had. She was just convenient, someone he could use.

glanced away, rolling her eyes, and made her

in her classmates vibe. They were

girl sauntered over with a sly grin. "Hey, Elara, word is your family's rolling in it. Is it true you've been bankrolling Asher? We all thought

is and wo together

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