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.

a message from Asher, saying: [I'm sorry:] That made her pause. An apology from Asher? Now that was out of the

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

whatever you're having works for

to throw in some spicy ones, knowing she liked her food

and things between them were starting to feel comfortable. Like

lately?" Lysander asked, his voice tinged

her head lightly. "He's been swamped with

working hard every day, hoping to boost her grades, but no matter how much

had a plan. When the time came, she'd make sure

Chapter 24

table, clearly lost in thought. She did

something serious, but since

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

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

you want me to crawl back, begging for another shot? I've got some danm

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 looked

Jefferson's face twisted with rage, and in a flash, he stormed over and slapped Asher hard across the face. "You useless piece of

with Elara, we had money rolling in. My gambling didn't matter then! But no, you had to screw things

Asher rushed to the spot under his bed where he'd stashed some money. Sure enough, every last

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

careful to save a portion of it for his college expenses,

of the house. Jefferson was already

bubbled up inside him. He clenched

and Lysander walked out

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