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

Crispin showed up, basically shadowing him, blocking him at every turn, making sure Asher couldn't even

Oakridge High's team was solid, but compared to Lysander, they looked

a few shots, Lysander was starting to look

hung back, quietly watching how out of sync he

had and getting shut down at

of the second half. Elara could see their rest area clearly. 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

snickered. "Some chick called me

101 Pudd

him a lazy smile and didn't seem

Asher didn't stand a chance against

to Crispin's bravado, Elara couldn't 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

to piss me off. We had a fight a few

that right" He didn't bother looking at Elara, but if one looked closely. they might catch

snag the ball a few times, even with Crispin on him, but now that Crispin wasn't guarding him at all. Asher

crushed.

evenly matched. But after today's game, it was clear Asher

buzzing with excitement. She couldn't believe how blind she'd been before-never really seeing Lysander for who he was, never understanding just how talented he actually was. Looking back, she

cheer for Asher, but now they were completely dumbfounded.

as she let out this tiny squeal she probably didn't

supposed to be cheering for Crestview. Honestly, thank God Lysander's not into her because that

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

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

sent a shiver down her spine. How could someone be so talented and have a voice like that?

the girls nearby practically threw a water bottle at him,

Elara.