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.

just on Asher, but also on his father, Jefferson, who

with him. I can assure you, he won't bother Elara again. "Elara?" Barrett's face darkened, his brow tightening with clear displeasure.

weren't for the fear of driving Elara away, he wouldn't have let them set foot

backpedaled, forcing an awkward smile.

eyes were glued to

like a thunderstorm, not saying a word, but it was clear he was

258 PM ct c

Chapter 12

edge of blowing

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

face.

was still pissed off about her birthday, that much was obvious. A genuine apology from

Blackwood, there's really no need for any of this. Asher didn't

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

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

deal. Tutoring Elara meant big bucks, and maybe, just maybe, a shot at the Kensington fortune

couldn't just sit back and watch the opportunity slip away. Elara sighed and spoke slowly, like she was explaining something

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

calm and composed Elara seemed while talking about the

to how headstrong she'd been when she insisted on having Asher as her tutor. Barrett had only agreed because she'd

was the one to cut

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

for the day, Barrett signaled the

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

she slid into the car and it started pulling away, she glanced back to see Asher still standing there, his father by his side. And then, out of nowhere, Jefferson-who had been

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

was old enough, he started supporting himself. And despite all that,

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

didn't give a damn about her. He never had. She was just convenient, someone he could use.

glanced away, rolling her eyes, and made

classmates vibe. They were acting

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

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