After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 24

If it weren't for his rivalry with Asher, Lysander wouldn't have even bothered with this competition

When Elara overheard Lysander-usually so straight-laced-make a rare comment about Asher, she couldn't help but chuckle

"Wow, never pegged him for the gossiping type, Elara thought, though she knew Lysander was just being honest.

"You're seriously something else!" she exclaimed. "I mean, look at you-handsome, smart, great at sports. Every pri at my table today couldn't stop drooling over you."

"I don't even know who they are, Lysander said flatly

Elara laughed. "I know you don't. That's not the point-I'm just saying, you've got people mesmerized"

Lysander didn't respond, staying silent as usual.

After a pause, Elara asked, "Aren't you worried people might start talking? I mean, us hanging out together, so publicly, at school? You know how people are."

"What would they say?" Lysander shot her a confused look.

Elara smirked. "There's this rumor going around that I'm, you know, some rich guy's sugar baby. They're always whispering about it behind my back. My reputation's already trashed."

Lysander's expression didn't change. "I couldn't care less about that," he said firmly, "Besides, do you even look like the type who needs some old dude's money!"

Elara laughed again, shaking her head. He'd clearly heard the rumors all along but never said a word-until now.

"He doesn't show up just to play knight in shining armor, does he?' she wondered.

The driver pulled up and dropped them off at a restaurant for dinner.

sorry:] That made her pause. An apology from Asher? Now that

you feel like eating?" Lysander asked, snapping her out

"I'm easy, whatever you're having works

dishes, making sure to throw in some spicy ones, knowing she

often lately, and things between them were starting to feel comfortable. Like

Mr. Kensington been back lately?" Lysander asked, his voice tinged with

shook her head lightly. "He's been

a car accident just before her SATE Now, she was working hard every day, hoping to

make sure he stayed home

Chapter 24

her food, staring blankly at the table, clearly lost in thought. She

but since she

his house and immediately spotted Jefferson, waiting for him, arms crossed, his expression dark. The tension in the

own thoughts about Elara, replied in an almost bored tone, "Nothing's changed. He sounded as indifferent as he felt about Jefferson's question. "Nothing? Didn't I tell you

his patience wearing thin, "Why should I? She dumped me. What, you want me to crawl back, begging for another

of wanting her back. But at the same. time, breaking up with her

get another word in, Jefferson's face twisted with rage, and in a flash, he stormed over and slapped Asher hard across the face. "You useless piece of shit! Without her, where are

you were with Elara, we had money rolling in. My gambling didn't matter then! But no, you had to screw things up with that broke-ass girl.

spot under his bed where he'd stashed some money. Sure enough, every last dollar was

There were only a few

careful to save a portion of it for his college expenses, knowing he couldn't depend on Jefferson for anything. But even with all his precautions. Jefferson had taken

out of the house. Jefferson was

where his father had disappeared, rage bubbled up inside him. He clenched his fists, then,

dinner, Elara and Lysander walked out of the

coming down in torrents. The Hawthorne family's driver hurried to open an umbrella