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"

around too, her voice almost too soft.

disgustingly sweet, and Elara couldn't be bothered to deal

with a good view, but far enough

over, whistling obnoxiously, and shouted, "Elara!" loud enough to turn a few heads. With a cocky smirk, he sneered at her. "You gonna apologize for cussing me

an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Weren't you the one running your mouth first? Calling me someone's

up, playing the innocent

La

Chapter 20

about people-is that how you get off? If you're gonna talk shit, don't be surprised when someone

out.

shrugged, still trying to act casual. "Everyone's saying

And if everyone was saying you're gay, would that make it

blank with shock. "Who the

all flustered, Elara almost laughed at

wasn't about to back off. He stepped closer, his tone mocking. You asked for my name last time, right? What, you wanna be my sugar mama or something?" Elara rolled her eyes so hard

yet. He leaned

a solid rep at Crestview Senior High, but Crispin

Why? Thinking of hooking up

chance! You used to be all over him. Maybe you could switch

show off his abs. A couple

rolled her eyes. His little stunt was beyond cringe, and

around to see Lysander

second Lysander walked in, the whole room's focus snapped to him. Nobody had expected

he dropped whatever he was saying to Elara and rushed over. "Hey, Lysander," he greeted, his tone

lit up when she saw Lysander. She waved at him, almost bouncing with excitement. But Lysander's face stayed as cold as ice. He looked right past her,

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

eager puppy