After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 21

Lizzie stood next to Daphne, her gaze drifting over to Elara, who was quietly sitting in the bleachers, minding her own business.

In a surprisingly thoughtful move, Elara grabbed a few bottles of water and handed them out to the girls around her, even to the ones who had been gossiping about her not too long ago.

They weren't in her class, so of course they talked shit. But after hanging around her a bit, they realized she wasn't as bad as they'd thought

The girls accepted the water, and suddenly, their judgmental stares turned softer.

Lizzie leaned in close to Daphne, her voice a low hiss. "What the hell is she up to? Trying to win people over?"

"Could be," Daphne replied, barely glancing at Elara. "Lysander's here, so she's probably trying to make herself look good in front of him. Same stunt she pulled when she was chasing Asher, remember?"

Lizzie's jaw dropped. "You think she's after Lysander now? Are you fucking serious? Oh my god, she's out of her damn mind! There's no way Lysander would go for someone like her. I mean, com on, after all the older guys she's hooked up with? Who the hell would want her?" Daphne stayed quiet.

"I've never seen anyone so shameless, Lizzie muttered, her voice dripping with contempt. 'She's not even low-key about it- going on and on about older guys like it's something to be proud of. And get this-I just saw her flirting with Crispin! Seriously, does she have to throw herself at every hot guy she sees?"

Daphne sighed, sounding a little tired of the whole thing, "Look, she's got her own game going on. She's not just here for the classes, alright? Honestly, it's kinda sad. If she had any decent role models in her life, maybe she wouldn't be this... messy. "Sad? Really? You're too soft, Daphne. Always trying to find the good in people," Lizzie snapped

Despite her tough talk, Lizzie never actually had the guts to say any of this to Elara's face. She only felt brave when she was whispering behind her back.

Soon enough, the game kicked off, and Elara settled in, iced water in hand, eyes glued to the action.

From the start, the game had a weird vibe. It wasn't long before both Crispin and Asher got hit with fouls, making the crowd sit up, wide-eyed. Things were getting intense way faster than usual

Asher, on the other hand, was laser-focused. He wasn't just here to play ball-he wanted to outshine Lysander and, more importantly, make sure Elara noticed him again.

Sure, he acted like he didn't give a damn, but the thought of her brushing him off? Yeah, no. He had to remind her who the real deal was

shadowing him, blocking him at every turn, making sure Asher couldn't even get close to

autopilot. Oakridge High's team was solid, but compared to

a few shots, Lysander was starting to

how out of sync

had and getting shut down at

clearly. Lysander glanced at Crispin, who was practically drowning in sweat, and raised an eyebrow. "Why the hell are

"Some chick called me ugly. Gotta prove her

101 Pudd

gave him a lazy smile and didn't seem

Flashing a cocky grin, he yelled, "So, how about it? Do I look good or what! Your boy Asher didn't stand a chance against me, did he?" As Crispin ran his mouth. Lysander shot him a sideways glance. Crispin felt a sudden, weird chill run down his spine, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out

help but notice Lysander's complete indifference toward her.

But honestly, that only made him more interesting to

elbowing Lysander. 'She's doing that just to piss me off. We had a fight a few days ago, and she's still

but if one looked closely. they might catch the faintest flush creeping up the

all business. Earlier, Asher had managed to snag the ball a few times, even with Crispin on him, but now that Crispin wasn't guarding him at all. Asher couldn't do a thing. Every play seemed to land in Lysander's hands, and he was unstoppable. By

crushed.

loser was Asher. People used to compare him to Lysander, saying they were evenly matched. But after today's game, it was clear Asher didn't

seeing Lysander for who he was, never understanding just how talented he actually was. Looking back, she realized she'd completely misjudged him.

and Daphne had come to cheer for Asher, but now they were completely dumbfounded. Over on Elara's side, Lysander's

let out this

sure she's forgotten we're supposed to be cheering for Crestview. Honestly, thank God Lysander's not into her because that

Lysander walked straight up to the stands and stopped dead in front of Elara. The crowd of girls around

him, wide-eyed. "You were amazing, she breathed, barely

velvet, "Got any water?" His tone sent a shiver down her spine. How could someone be so talented and have a voice like that? It wasn't

bottle at him, but Lysander didn't even

Elara.