After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter

18

As soon as Asher saw Daphne getting cornered, he stormed over, his voice cutting through the tension. "Elara, what the hell is your deal? Daphne was just trying to warn you because, believe it or not, she cares! She doesn't want to see you get yourself into something

you can't handle

Elara lifted her head, meeting his glare with a smirk. "Oh, so now you're the hero, huh? Too bad it was your girlfriend who came at me first. If you don't want to get caught in the middle, stay the fuck out of my way. And while we're at it, all those fancy presents you've been showering her with? Bought with my mone

"Without me, do you honestly think she'd even look at you twice? Don't tell me you're dumb enough to believe she's with your for your charming' personality, or your deadbeat dad's gambling debts?"

Daphne's face went white. The word "gambler" echoed in her head, the shock settling in.

'Asher's dad isn't just a driver-he is addicted to gambling? She felt a wave of unease. Is this what my future looks like with him? A never-ending string of problems?'

She shot a glance at Asher, noticing the dark expression on his face. Still, she pushed her doubts aside for the moment and turned to Elara, her voice sharp. "Do you really hate me that much? So much that you'd drag my friends into this just because of Asher? You think I stole him from you? Fine! If you want him that bad, you can have him back!"

"Daphne!" Asher jumped in, sounding desperate. "Don't say that. I don't even like her. His voice softened as he tried to reassure Daphne, but the whole scene only made Elara look like a bitter third wheel.

Elara couldn't help but laugh, the sound dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, please. Keep him. I don't take back garbage."

Asher was left speechless, struggling to find words.

But Elara wasn't done. She rolled her eyes and added, "And as for your bullshit about me bullying Lizzie Collins? Give me a break. Everyone knows she's been the one trying to mess with me. I've been more than fair. If she's tired of it, she can drop out anytime. No one's stopping her."

Elara had tried playing the "nice girl once-tried building a reputation as someone who didn't hurt people. And where had that gotten her? Nowhere but pushed around. She was done caring what people thought.

Asher sighed, shaking his head in frustration. Turning to Daphne, he said, "You know what? Let's just go. If she wants to act like this, it's not our problem. When something finally happens to Lizzie, she'll regret it. Come on."

He grabbed Daphne's hand, leading her away from Elara without another word.

with her weight, collapsed after barely managing six miles. Asher and Daphne had

couldn't help but ask, "You happy now?" "Oh, I'm fucking thrilled, Elara shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why wouldn't I be?" She pulled out her phone and made a call to the hospital

had planned to make a big deal out of Lizzie fainting, but now they were just standing there, totally

slowly blink awake. She asked

filled with tears. "Daphne... I feel

her on the back. "You feeling

role as the poor victim. "I

You're perfectly fine, just rusty. Tomorrow at school, make sure you knock out those last six miles. Lizzie's eyes widened in

3.00 PM C

Chapter 18

to kill me?" Lizzie gasped, her voice thick

lazy smile. "And if you do pass out again, don't worry. The hospital's right

soft but

insane!" Lizzie snapped, her anger

your

with shock. "You've been

what if I have?" Elara shot back, completely

her jaw tight. "Fine.

remember, until those miles are done, I don't care if you collapse again-Ill

frowning as he tried to process just

was.

the hospital, Daphne and Asher

she snapped pictures of

enough of these petty "set-up stunts and wasn't about to give anyone a chance to point fingers. Only

dutifully ran

whole fiasco had taught her a hard lesson. Now, she kept a much lower profile around Flara, no longer daring to act all high and mighty. Even if she was pissed off, she'd just grumble under her breath and never say a word to Elara's

bad side. Plus, with Elara's loaded background, she could probably pay off their medical bills if they messed with her and ended up in the hospital Nobody dared call her a 'simp" or mock her for her academic struggles anymore. But that