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.

her way down the stairs slowly, her gaze landing not just on Asher, but also on

a look that 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 tightening with clear displeasure. "Who gave you the right to call my daughter by her

it weren't for the fear of driving Elara away, he wouldn't have let them set foot in his house to begin

awkward smile. "Yes, of course. Miss

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

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

258 PM ct c

Chapter 12

of blowing

like he'd rather jump off a cliff. Asher's reluctance was

face.

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

steady, she said, "Mr. Blackwood, there's really no need for any of this. Asher didn't

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

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

meant big bucks, and maybe, just maybe, a shot

she was explaining something obvious. "After years of tutoring, my

him go. There's no drama between

listened quietly, noting how calm and composed Elara seemed

to how headstrong she'd been when she insisted on having Asher as her

was the one to

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

plans for the day, Barrett

left the house, where the driver was already waiting

see Asher still 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

bad that Asher's mom had walked out. From then on, Asher had lived with him, scrapping together money for school from relatives who

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

why Elara had always had a soft spot for him. She had gone out of her way to try to make his life easier, doing whatever

never had. She

glanced away, rolling her eyes, and made her way to

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

sly grin. "Hey, Elara, word is your family's rolling in it. Is it true you've

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