After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 28

Jefferson had just barely dodgeil a real disaster, almost getting hand smashed, while Asher didn't get off so easy-he'd ended up with some fresh bruises.

Those debt collectors weren't playing games. They made it clear they wanted their money, and soon.

Thinking back on his days with the Kensington family, Asher couldn't help but realize life had never been this grim.

Back then, Jefferson had a decent paycheck coming in, and Elars would occasionally throw in some cash.

Sure, Jefferson always took a cut, but he never bled Asher dry. Asher, being a bit of a spender, had usually already blown through a chunk of his own cash anyway, so he wasn't handing over everything to Jefferson, Now, though, his life was an absolute mess compared to those days. Still, the last thing he wanted was to get wrapped up with Elara again.

If he kept listening to Jefferson and scamming her for money, he'd just be turning into another version of the asshole.

Elara's gaze softened as she looked at Asher, her voice gentle. "You know, I really do care about you."

"Huh?" Asher blinked, caught off guard, and turned to meet her eyes.

Elara's lips curled into a playful smirk. "Yeah, I care, I care about how miserable you are. Seeing you down makes me feel

better."

Asher was dumbfounded for a second. Her tone was so sweet, but the words were enough to make him both laugh and want to bang his head against the wall.

Elara kept going. "Next time your dad decides to knock you around, give me a call. Ill come by and give him a round of applause for a job well done."

Asher's face darkened. Annoyed, he pulled out a book, trying to block her out. But he couldn't stop himself from muttering. "You really think Lysander's gonna make you happy?

The guy's loaded, sure, but why would someone like him be into someone as clueless as you? He's definitely up to something"

Elara's expression turned sharp. She shot back, "Whatever's going on between me and him is none of your damn business. But look at you-beat up and pitiful. And where's your girlfriend, huh? Oh right, looks like she's ghosting you. Poor thing."

a quick glance at Daphne, who was busy scribbling notes. Normally, Daphne would've been the first to rush over to Asher's side, but

explain, 'She's just been

was right there yesterday when your dad showed up and kept her distance. Asher, do you really think

Asher had a lot going for him, she clearly had her reservations-especially about his dad, who was a gambling

smoothly, mostly thanks to the quiet support from the Kensington family. With their help, Asher had everything he needed-even managing

now, with Elara pulling away, the cracks in the Blackwood family were starting to show. Asher never really had to deal with these problems before because Elara always

Chapter 28

words stung, and Asher couldn't deny it. Just like she said after class, Daphne was nowhere to be found. It was like she was completely swallowed up

face. "Asher, what the hell happened to your

was the golden boy-getting into a fight was

shrugged, trying to play it off.

offered. "Do you want to call the cops,

need for that.

Asher with such intensity that she couldn't help but ask, "So,

"Daphne? She's been swamped with some speech she's working on for a class. Why, you need something from her?" Elara gave a sarcastic nod, "Nothing. Just noticed she's so busy she

out when Asher gets hurt. She treats him like a king, and

no matter how rich your folks are. SAT scores don't care about

just a few feet away, was getting more and more anxious,

now Lizzie had gone and aired out her and Asher's relationship for the

entire school was buzzing about her and Asher being

a gambler, and she had no intention

about what people would think-and what Asher would think. She was scared they'd start calling

for college?" She remembered the image of Asher and Daphne walking side by

decision to aim for Brookfield, especially since he was passing up top-tier schools like Queensun University. Part of her couldn't help but wonder if his choice had anything

all ended up at the same college? We already know each other. And besides, it'd be fun to see if your relationship survives. the distance."

grades? How do you plan on keeping up with Asher and Daphne? Yeah, you've been doing better lately, but you're not even cracking the top ten in

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