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.

school, Asher begrudgingly started his six-mile run, while Elara stayed behind, enjoying every

It was the best thing she'd

Daphne stood in silence, her cold gaze

200, and she's already acting like she's hot shit? Asher's first, and even he's not

if she did well this once? She's still stuck with that creepy old guy. Just

head softly, cutting her off. "Let's not

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

Chapter 15

wrapped up that brutal six-mile run, the sky

a tired

she got up, clearly pleased with herself, and practically 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

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

away.

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

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

cool, playing the role of the perfect

it kinda weird? Elara's grades used

Lizzie chimed in. Think she cheated? I wouldn't be surprised. Probably just wanted to screw with Asher. I mean, come on, he's been tutoring her nonstop, and out 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." Elara couldn't wait to get home after school. She was dying to tell Lysander the good news.

Ursa told her, "Mr.

excitement fizzled a little. "Oh... okay," she said, trying to hide her

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

she gave in and called Lysander. At that moment, he was at home, swimming laps. His butler

care until the butler added, "It's

then did he pull himself out of the pool, grabbing the towel

look on