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.

[I'm sorry:] That made her pause. An apology from Asher? Now that was out

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

easy, whatever

sure to throw in some spicy ones, knowing

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

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

head lightly.

had traveled back in 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

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

Chapter 24

staring blankly at the table, clearly lost in

serious, but since she wasn't talking, he wouldn't push her.

spotted Jefferson, waiting for him, arms crossed, his expression dark. The tension in the room was thick as soon as Asher stepped in. "How are things going

with his 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 to win her back? What the hell are you doing, slacking

What, you want me to crawl back,

and sometimes had this flicker of wanting her back. But at the same. time, breaking up with her

piece of shit! Without her, where are we gonna get the money? Hand over everything you've got!" Asher stared in disbelief, his check stinging. "You've been gambling again,

When 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

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

privacy. There were only a few places he

been 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

out of the house. Jefferson was already

inside him. He clenched his fists, then, without thinking, kicked the wall

Lysander walked out of

rain was coming down in torrents. The Hawthorne family's driver hurried to open an umbrella and escorted Elara to the