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 second

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

Daphne stood in silence, her cold gaze following

whisper, "Top 200, and she's 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

agreed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who cares if she did well this once? She's still stuck with that creepy old guy. Just the thought of her with him makes

cutting her

way too damn nice!' Lizzie teased, affectionately linking her

Chapter 15

time Asher wrapped up that brutal six-mile run, the sky was pitch dark,

he shot a tired

bounced through the school gates, her steps light and carefree, Asher stood there, watching 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 every word. Now, she wouldn't even spare him

his chest tighten. It felt like something that should've been his was

away.

him out of his thoughts. She'd obviously caught him staring after Elara. "You must be wiped.

and he took it

Asher always kept his cool, playing the role

said, eyeing him. "But isn't it kinda weird? Elara's

of nowhere she's a damn genius?" 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."

the door, Ursa

little. "Oh... okay," she

to eat alone. With Barrett out of town, the house felt way

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

to care until

the pool, grabbing the towel offered to him and draping it over his

phone, the usual stern look on his face softened.