After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 16

Lysander thought he was keeping it together, but Elara could feel something was off in his voice, even through the phone.

Sensing his quiet, Elara gently nudged him. "Lysander, I know you like to deal with things on your own, but aren't we in this together now? You've done so much for me, let me be there for you, too," She knew without his constant help, she'd never have achieved what she had. She wasn't about to take his support for granted -especially since she knew he didn't give a damn about money.

The idea of them being a team brought a small, tired smile to Lysander's lips. "Alright," he said, almost as if he was convincing himself more than her.

The next morning, as Elara walked into school, Maia stormed into the classroom, her face like a storm cloud. The tension was thick, and all eyes snapped to the front.

"Elara Kensington, stand up, Maia demanded, her voice sharp as a blade, eyes locked onto her like a hawk eyeing its prey.

Confused but not wanting to make a scene, Elara stood up, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You've been accused of cheating on the midterm. What do you have to say for yourself?" Maia's words were clipped, and there was no room for argument in her tone.

Elara's gaze darted around the room, and sure enough, there was Lizzie sitting next to Daphne, practically glowing with smug satisfaction.

Elara took a breath, staying calm. "And what evidence do you have to support this accusation?"

Maia's frown deepened. "Your grades have been average at best, and suddenly you've had a huge improvement. It's suspicious. We've decided you'll need to retake the exam. Do you have any objections?" "Damn right, I do! Elara shot back without hesitation.

Lizzie couldn't resist jumping in, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "See? I told you she cheated! I mean, if you didn't. what's the big deal with retaking in

any proof? That's bold. But here's the thing-if you're gonna make accusations, you better back them up. Otherwise, it's just bullshit. If we played by your rules, I'd be

in the air, leaving

girl standing in front of him?

her figured out, knew her better than anyone. But now, he was seeing a whole new

"Look, I get why some people might doubt you. This retest

With a faint smile, she replied, "Sure, I can take the test again. But these accusations are a joke. We're classmates, and honestly, I don't see what Lizzie has to gain from this. And if I end up scoring even

showed hesitation.

had always outperformed Elara academically, so it was hard for the teacher

already trashed my reputation. If I couldn't handle the stress and did something extreme... who's gonna take responsibility for

mention of "something extreme, the mood in

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Chapter 16

cold. "What's the matter? Weren't you so sure I cheated?

now?"

would I back down?" Lizzie snapped, clearly riled up by Elara's words. She turned to the teacher, her tone indignant. I'm willing to put everything on the line for this. Everyone knows Elara's academic history. I'm convinced she cheated!" Seeing Elara pause for a moment, Lizzie assumed she had

did cheat," Lizzie continued, "then she should be expelled. I'm not staying in the same

cheater!"

Elara shot back before the teacher could

situation had gotten, quickly stepped in. "Elara, meet me in my office after class," she said, her voice firm,

over at Elara,

gonna be a huge blow. If I were you, I'd just come clean to the teacher. This is just a small monthly exam-if you admit it now, I could probably help smooth things