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!"

ta

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.

by the window, watching the rain pour down outside. Fresh from her shower,

come.

phone buzzed with a message

back: [Ok. I just got out of

replied: [Got some

She typed before finally letting herself drift off, the sound of rain tapping gently

woke up to the mouthwatering smell of the lavish breakfast Ursa had whipped up for

"He was up before dawn and

an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Seriously?" She figured he'd

wasn't having it. Honestly, sometimes I can't figure out what's going on in that guy's

acts like he's got a few screws

again. Elara reassured her with a grin, "No need to worry! If he hadn't collapsed at my doorstep yesterday, I wouldn't have bothered I'm not looking to deal with a corpse on

more at case.

now in clean clothes, sitting in the classroom. When he saw her, he quickly averted his gaze, slipping back into his usual icy demeanor. Elara silently fumed, 'What an asshole. I saved

Asher on their way to a student council meeting, With concern, she asked, "Feeling better

a quick glance.

losing the game yesterday isn't the end of the world. Daphne tried to reassure him, but worry tinged

seen him with Elara the day before and was

stayed silent, still pissed off

her courage and said, "Asher... if you want to

and said earnestly. "You're way off 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!" Daphne felt a wave of relief. "Glad to hear it. No matter what, Asher, I'm here

mind was busy figuring out how to escape Jefferson's schemes to scam the Kensington family. He

too well that Jefferson was a man without principles, and he couldn't let himself be dragged

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

seen with Daphne

threw herself into her studies

was the perfect