After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 25

As always, Asher kept that icy mask firmly in place around Elara, never letting even the faintest hint of warmth slip through.

She knew all too well that his heart was as cold and unyielding as stone. Any brief glimpses of kindness were nothing but a charade.

Yet, despite knowing this, catching that rare moment of softness stirred something deep inside her-an unexpected and unwelcome flicker of satisfaction. "No." Elara muttered.

A faint smirk tugged at the corners of Asher's lips. "So, you're really not gonna make up with me, huh?"

Elara hesitated for a split second, then shot back with a smirk of her own, "What, you're broke again? You only pull this crap when you're running low on cash."

He met her gaze, completely unfazed, and replied slowly, "You're reading way too much into this. I just wanted to check in on you. But hey, whatever, I'm out."

He turned to leave, but after just a few steps, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground.

Elara quickly called out for Ursa. When Ursa rushed over and spotted Asher sprawled out, she couldn't help but blurt, "Isn't that Mr. Blackwood? What happened to him? Elara rolled her eyes. "How should I know? He just collapsed like a fool!"

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Ursa, umbrella in hand, crouched down and pressed a hand to Asher's forehead. "Shit, he's burning up-probably got a fever. What should we do? Leave him here, or do we help him!"

Elara took a breath, then shrugged. "Fine, let's drag him inside and get a doctor."

"Should we put him in his old room?" Ursa asked, looking a little unsure.

"Hell no. Didn't Jefferson have a spare room somewhere? Stick him there for now," Elara replied dismissively.

Once, she'd gone all out to prepare a room just for him, decorating it to perfection. But now, with him in this sorry state, she figured that would be a waste. The driver's quarters seemed plenty good for him now, Ursa directed the staff to haul Asher into the servant's quarters and called in a doctor. After checking him out, they confirmed it was just a fever-nothing serious. They left him there to sleep it off.

outside. Fresh from her shower, she lay in bed,

come.

phone buzzed with a message from Lysander: [I'm

back: [Ok. I just got out of

[Got some

finally letting herself

morning. Elara woke up to the mouthwatering smell of the lavish breakfast Ursa had whipped up for her. As she settled in at

up before dawn and took

eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Seriously?" She

stick around until you woke up, but he wasn't having it. Honestly,

smirked. "Right? He acts like he's got a

Ursa advised, "You know, Mr. Hawthorne seems like a much better catch. You really should keep your distance from Asher. She worried Elara might get mixed up with him again. Elara reassured her with a grin, "No need to worry! If he hadn't

more at case. It seemed like the once impulsive young woman

icy demeanor. Elara silently fumed, 'What an asshole. I saved his sorry ass last night, and he can't even say thanks. So, she plopped down

their way to

gave her a quick

yesterday isn't the end of the world. Daphne tried

with Elara the day before and was anxious he might ditch her for

still pissed off about Jefferson swiping his money

and said, "Asher... if you want to be with Elara. I'm behind you all

base! I'm not into Elara. It's just... seeing her with Lysander gets on my nerves. I can't stand them having it all their way!"

mind was busy figuring out how to escape Jefferson's schemes to scam the Kensington family. He wasn't about to let that

and he couldn't let himself be dragged into something he had no desire to

as soon as he sobered up that morning, he left the Kensington place, determined

was always seen with Daphne and barely crossed

She threw herself into

perfect time to invest for some