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.

they sat down, Elara's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen-it was a message from Asher, saying: [I'm sorry:] That made her pause. An apology from Asher? Now that was out of the blue. Seemed like he wasn't too thrilled about

feel like eating?" Lysander asked,

easy, whatever you're having

ordered a few dishes, making sure to throw in some spicy ones, knowing she liked her food with

having dinners together more often lately, and things between them

been back lately?" Lysander asked, his voice

lightly.

died in a car accident just before her SATE Now, she was working hard every day, hoping to boost her grades, but no matter how much effort she put in, there was never enough time to be with him. He was always buried in work,

make sure he stayed home that

Chapter 24

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

since she wasn't talking, he wouldn't

crossed, his expression dark. The tension in the room was thick as

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 to win her back? What the hell are

you want

at the same. time, breaking up with her felt like a weight

could 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 we gonna get the money? Hand over everything you've got!" Asher stared in

gambling didn't matter then! But no, you had to screw things up with that broke-ass girl. Now look at what you've done! You let the big fish get away! Get her back, or I swear to God, I'll make your life hell!"

as the door slammed shut, Asher rushed to the spot under his bed where he'd stashed some money.

any privacy. There were only a few places he could hide things,

out financially so many times, and Asher had been careful to save a portion of it for his college expenses, knowing he couldn't depend on Jefferson for anything. But even with

house. Jefferson was already long gone, nowhere

where his father had disappeared, rage bubbled up inside him. He clenched his fists, then, without thinking, kicked

dinner, Elara and Lysander walked out of

to open an umbrella