After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 15

Lysander couldn't care less about the basketball game earlier. To be honest, he wasn't even trying to fake interest.

Elara, after changing into something more comfortable, slowly made her way downstairs to join Lysander in the yard. They were going over their answers together, and when she realized she got a bunch of them right, her mood brightened instantly. The day the exam results came out, Maia Eland, the homeroom teacher, strolled into class and, as usual, started by praising Asher and Daphne for staying at the top of the ranks.

But the

then, Maia threw a curveball. "However, today I'd like to recognize another student-Elara Kensington!"

Elara's ears perked up in surprise.

Asher shot her a sideways glance, his face twisted with disbelief and a touch of disdain.

Maia continued. "Elara has shown exceptional improvement this time. She used to be near the bottom of the class, but now she's jumped up to the top 200. If she keeps this up, she's got a solid chance at nailing the college entrance exams." "Top 200?" The whole class was shocked. Even Asher couldn't hide his surprise.

He had thought if she really pushed herself, she'd go up a hundred spots, max. But top 200? Seriously?' he thought.

Elara herself was just as stunned. She'd never expected to jump so far up the ranks.

Maybe all the crap she'd been through had made her more driven. She had been busting her ass in class and reviewing everything afterward with Lysander. His guidance made even the hardest problems feel like no big deal. Turned out, hard work actually pays off.

"Are you sure, Ms. Eland? Elara? The girl who used to bomb every test?" a student piped up, obviously confused.

"I'm sure," Maia replied, giving Elara a nod of approval. She used to be frustrated by Elara dragging down the class, but now she was impressed.

Maia's confirmation made Elara's heart soar.

She caught Asher glaring at her, and with a smug grin, she taunted, "Well, well. What do you think now? Didn't you call me dumb? Don't forget about our six-mile bet!" Asher's jaw tightened as he looked away, confused. How the fuck did she get this good? Is Lysander really that much of a genius?' he wondered.

his six-mile run, while Elara stayed behind, enjoying every

sat back with a smirk, watching him drag his exhausted ass around the track. It was the best thing she'd seen all day. This is fucking

silence, her

already acting like she's hot shit? Asher's first, and even he's not this cocky. And you came second!" Daphne smiled serenely, her gaze drifting to Asher. "A bet's a bet. Asher's not one to back

voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who cares if she did well this once? She's still stuck with that

cutting her off.

too damn nice!' Lizzie teased, affectionately linking her arm with

Chapter 15

brutal six-mile run, the sky was pitch dark, and whatever daylight

he shot a

her walk away, a storm of mixed emotions swirling inside him. He couldn't help but think back to how she used to hang on his

It felt like something that should've been

away.

out of his thoughts. She'd obviously caught

him a bottle, and he took it with a polite nod.

kept his cool, playing the role of the

isn't it kinda weird? Elara's grades used to suck, and

Daphne shot her a warning look. "Don't go throwing accusations around without proof, Lizzie. You'll get yourself into trouble." Lizzie shrugged it off. "Whatever. I'll talk to the teacher about it tomorrow. Bet you anything I'm right." Elara couldn't wait to get home after school. She was dying to tell Lysander the good news. After all, it was thanks to his help that Asher finally admitted

Ursa told her, "Mr. Hawthorne

okay," she

dining room to eat alone. With Barrett out of town, the house felt way too quiet for her

he was at home, swimming laps. His butler walked over and said, "Mr. Hawthorne, there's a

until the butler added, "It's Miss

pool, grabbing the towel offered to him and draping

look on his face softened. "Hey," he