After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 22

The whole school was buzzing with gossip: Elara had gotten involved with some older guy

But just when everyone thought they had it figured out, Lysander threw a curveball and declared he was going after her too.

Nobody ever imagined lysander would have to chase anyone. Normally, a tilt of his head was all it took to have people scrambling to get his attention.

When Crispin shot him a look of disbeliel, Lysander raised an eyebrow. "What's your deal? Got something to say?"

"Me? No way!" Crispin replied, scrambling to sound casual. No way in hell he was about to voice his real opinion.

He was just stunned that it was Elara who'd caught Lysander's eye. It hit him like a ton of bricks-everything he'd done today was aimed at someone Lysander was interested in.

Suddenly remembering the snarky comments he'd tossed around earlier, Crispin wished the ground would just swallow himm

"Lysander, man, I had no ideal" he blurted out, sounding almost panicked. "If I'd known. I wouldn't have said all that crap to

hert

Lysander just gave a lazy shrug. "Doesn't matter. She's not into you, anyway."

Crispin blinked, taken aback. "Well, shit. That was straight to the point, he thought.

But then he noticed how serious Lysander looked, and his curiosity got the better of him. "So, uh... how's it going with her! Making any headway?"

Lysander let out a frustrated sigh. "She hasn't fallen for me, if that's what you're asking. He was being blunt. Even though he was her tutor now, he believed Elara clearly hadn't developed any feelings for him.

In his eyes, it was obvious her heart was still hung up on Asher. Lysander knew well he might just be a pawn in her little game to get a rise out of Asher,

1

But as long as he could be of some use to her, he wasn't going to complain. Being close to her was enough for him, at least for

HOW.

Crispin followed Lysander's gaze over to where Elara stood gracefully in the crowd, her eyes locked in their direction.

The way she'd been calling out earlier, he'd almost believed she was one of Lysander's biggest fans. Now, though, it was clear Lysander was the one doing the admiring

around them were buzzing like they'd just uncovered some scandalous secret, while the ones involved were

group chat was on fire with speculation: [Could it be true? Was Lysander

was head over heels for Asher, practically throwing herself at him, and he didn't even give a damn. He couldn't be bothered to look

was Lysander-better than Asher in every imaginable way-who'd

gym clothes, Asher stormed out, frustration written all over his

so thoroughly upstaged by someone

close behind, wanting to say something to make him feel better, but they were just as stunned as Minutes ago, they would've sworn that Lysander would never give Elara the time of day But there he

his damn mind? Is he seriously into Elara' How could he

was a mix of shock and something else-jealousy, maybe. She'id always figured that no matter what Elara Asher would never waver. He was supposed to be a

it was like the

Deest

under he breath. Maybe we just didn't try hard enough. If we'd cheered him on today, then who knows.

gave a

looked at her, with something more than just casual interest, and now their imaginations were running

knowing smile on her lips. "No,

engaged. But her pursuit of Lysander had everything to do with stuff that happened before she traveled back

wasn't about to make any assumptions. The last thing she wanted was to be the butt of

shrugged. "Relax, it's just that our families know each other, so we've stayed in touch. That's

of them couldn't resist asking. "So, is

I was some sugar baby being kept by a rich old guy, huh?" Elara cut in, deadpan, not even flinching as she faced the

looked a bit sheepish, probably thinking about the rumors they'd heard-how she'd been

whatever the hell you want. It

thing was ridiculous. Like I need some guy to take care of me! Please, she thought to

girls from other classes, Elara headed back to

she was used to that by now. She

sarcastic grin. "We lost the game, and

clearly trying to get a

smile. "Well, you lost the game, not

see. You think you're special just because Lysander gave you

laugh. "Aw, don't tell me you're pissed

snapped his mouth shut, unable to come up

the classroom

wit the most grannaly

T