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.

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 her hanging

like eating?" Lysander asked, snapping

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

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

between them

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

her head lightly. "He's been

time, he had 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

the time came, she'd make sure he stayed home that day-anything to stop that

Chapter 24

staring blankly at the table,

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

Jefferson, waiting for him, arms crossed, his expression dark. The tension in the room was thick as soon as

with his own thoughts about Elara, replied in an almost bored tone, "Nothing's changed. He sounded as indifferent as he

What, you want me to crawl back, begging for another shot? I've

had this flicker of wanting her back. But at the same. time, breaking up with her felt like a

"You useless piece of shit! Without her, where are we gonna get the money? Hand over everything you've got!" Asher stared in disbelief,

money rolling in. My 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!" Jefferson raged

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

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

helped him 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

the house. Jefferson was already long gone,

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

Elara and Lysander walked out

Hawthorne family's driver hurried to open an umbrella and escorted Elara to the