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

him at every turn, making sure Asher couldn't

on autopilot. Oakridge High's team was solid, but compared to Lysander, they looked like amateurs. He made it all

few shots, Lysander was starting to look way

out of sync he was with

there, giving it everything he had and getting shut down at every turn, he looked like

Lysander glanced at Crispin, who was practically drowning in sweat, and raised an eyebrow. "Why the hell are you trying so hard today?" Crispin's eyes hadn't left Asher the whole

me ugly. Gotta prove her wrong,

101 Pudd

a lazy smile and didn't seem

of his water. Crispin turned and spotted Elara sitting in the stands. 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

help but notice Lysander's complete indifference toward her. Even when Crispin looked over. Lysander stayed cool, not even

Lysander-always distant, never one for attention. But honestly, that only made him more interesting to her. Elara grinned and shouted.

elbowing Lysander. 'She's doing that just to piss me off.

quick glance and muttered. "Is that right" He didn't bother looking at Elara, but if

kicked off, Lysander was 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

crushed.

used to compare him to Lysander, saying they were evenly matched. But after today's game, it was

dominate. Elara was buzzing with excitement. She couldn't believe how blind she'd been before-never really seeing Lysander for who he was, never understanding

were completely dumbfounded. Over on Elara's side, Lysander's fans were going

could barely contain herself. eyes glued to Lysander as she let out this tiny squeal she probably didn't even realize she

she's forgotten we're supposed to be cheering for Crestview. Honestly, thank God

and stopped dead in front of Elara. The crowd of

awe, looked up at him, wide-eyed. "You were amazing, she breathed, barely getting

velvet, "Got any water?" His tone sent a shiver down her spine. How could someone be so talented and have a

girls nearby practically threw a water bottle at him, but

Elara.