After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 20

Ever since Elara cut ties with Asher, he hadn't sent her so much as a single gift.

Daphne was starting to think it was high time they pulled Elara back into their little circle-after all, cutting her off completely wasn't exactly an option.

Daphne figured that as long as Elara still had feelings for Asher, she'd be willing to drop cash on him, which would help them out of the financial hole they'd been stuck in lately.

Asher was currently juggling a bunch of part-time jobs just to scrape by, barely covering his own expenses, let alone playing chauffeur for Elara like he used to. Things were a far cry from the days when she had been practically throwing money his way.

Besides, Daphne was convinced Asher wasn't about to fall for some woman who had a thing for older men. Even if Elara still had a soft spot for him, Daphne didn't feel threatened in the slightest.

But when she suggested the idea to Elara, the response was instant-and cold. "No, I'm not going

Daphne blinked, surprised. "Why not? Asher still likes you, you know. He talks about you all the time! We used to be friends, no need to make it awkward"

Elara glanced at her, and her mind wandered back to before she'd time-traveled.

Back then, she had been ready to give up everything-her family, her career-just to marry Asher. Daphne had been the middleman, always talking Asher up, playing matchmaker without a care in the world. She didn't care if Elara got close to Asher because deep down, Daphne knew Elara never stood a real chance. Asher had only stayed with Elara for the benefits, and his heart had always belonged to Daphne. Now, hearing Daphne praise him again, Elara felt nothing. "I've got standards when it comes to picking my Daphne's smile faltered, and her face hardened.

my friends

Sensing the tension, a couple of people jumped to Daphne's defense. Forget her, Daphne. If she doesn't wanna go, don't waste your time. Let's just go! And with that, they all headed out to cheer for Asher. A bit later, Elara wandered into the gym.

By then, Asher had already changed into his sports gear, looking tall and athletic, standing right in front of Daphne, who was smiling up at him like she'd just won the lottery.

His muscles were pretty obvious under the tight shirt, showing off how much time he spent working out. Daphne's cheeks flushed as she ogled him.

The second Elara walked in, the whole vibe changed. Asher immediately caught sight of her, eyebrows raised "Didn't think you were coming"

turned around too, her voice almost too

atmosphere between them was disgustingly sweet, and Elara couldn't be bothered to deal with

in the stands, somewhere with a good view, but far enough from Daphne's little

she ran into Crispin-the guy she'd clashed with a few days ago. Crispin swaggered over, whistling obnoxiously, and shouted, "Elara!" loud enough to turn a few heads.

"Weren't you the one running your mouth first? Calling me someone's sugar baby-real fucking classy,

threw his hands up, playing the innocent card. "What'd I do

La

Chapter 20

you're gonna talk shit, don't be surprised when

out.

to act casual. "Everyone's

missing a beat. "Yeah? And if everyone was saying you're gay, would that

grin dropped, his face blank with shock. "Who the

almost laughed at how ridiculous

time, right? What, you wanna be my sugar mama or something?" Elara rolled her eyes so hard it almost

wasn't ready to give up just yet. He leaned in, grinning cockily.

a solid rep at Crestview Senior High, but Crispin wasn't the type to get

Why? Thinking of hooking up with

fired back. Tm saying, do I even stand a chance! You used to be all over him. Maybe you could switch

a cocky grin, lifting his shirt to show off his abs. A

eyes. His little stunt was beyond cringe, and

Elara whipped around to see Lysander strolling

moment, the attention had been on Crispin, but the second Lysander walked in, the whole room's focus snapped to him. Nobody had

was saying to Elara and rushed over. "Hey, Lysander," he greeted, his tone a little too respectful trying hard

Lysander. She waved at him, almost bouncing with excitement. But Lysander's face stayed as cold as ice. He looked right past her, not a

noticed the whole thing. Standing next to Lysander, he saw

eager puppy