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.

That made her pause. An apology from Asher? Now that was out of the blue. Seemed like

feel like eating?" Lysander asked, snapping her out

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

some spicy ones, knowing she liked her food with a

often lately, and things between them were starting to

been back lately?" Lysander asked, his voice

lightly. "He's been swamped

was working hard every day, hoping to

had a plan. When the time came, she'd make sure he stayed home that day-anything to stop

Chapter 24

watched as Elara slowly chewed her food, staring blankly at the table, clearly lost in thought. She did this

gut tell him she was hiding something serious, but since she wasn't talking, he wouldn't push

The tension in the room was thick as soon as Asher stepped in. "How are things going with Elaral" Jefferson demanded,

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

you want

with Lysander and sometimes had this flicker of wanting her back. But at the same. time, breaking up with her felt like a weight off his chest-especially when he

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 disbelief, his check

no, you had to screw things up with that broke-ass girl. Now look at what you've done! You let the big

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

were only a few places he could

portion of it for his college expenses, knowing he couldn't depend on Jefferson for

Jefferson was

him.

walked out

family's driver hurried to open an umbrella and escorted