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.

her weight, collapsed after barely managing six miles. Asher and Daphne had to call an

back, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why wouldn't I be?" She pulled out

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

beside Lizzie's bed, watching her slowly blink

eyes filled with

on the back.

fully embracing her role as the poor

off to the side, casually eating a yogurt like none of this was a big deal. "Doctors checked you out. You're perfectly fine, just rusty. Tomorrow at school, make sure you knock out those last six miles. Lizzie's eyes widened in shock. I've already passed out, and this psycho wants me to run

3.00 PM C

Chapter 18

you trying to kill me?" Lizzie gasped, her voice thick

lazy smile. "And if you do pass out again, don't

eyebrow, her tone soft but deadly

Lizzie snapped, her anger

your

twisted with shock. "You've been snooping on my

I have?"

her jaw tight. "Fine. I'll run your

with a smirk. "I've already covered your medical bills. Just remember, until those miles are done, I don't care if you collapse again-Ill make sure the doctors bring you right back." With that, she strolled out of the

tried to process just how calm

was.

Lizzie got out of the hospital, Daphne and Asher drove

as she got home, she snapped pictures of the

give anyone a chance

Lizzie dutifully ran

longer daring to act all

rest of the classmates caught on pretty quick, too. They'd all seen what happened when one got on 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