After Death, Love Unveiled

above it all.

But the second Elara questioned her motives, her face twisted. That's not me. Everything I do is for Asher. I genuinely want what's best for him. I want him to have a bright future," Elara Kensington smirked, her voice slow and cutting. "But... If his future isn't as bright as you're hoping, how could he possibly deserve someone like you?"

Daphne's temper flared. "If you're not planning to be with him, that's on you! I'm just trying to help you both! You were crazy about him-doesn't he mean anything to you anymore? "It's sad, Elara, seeing you so alone. Ever sitice you and Asher fell out, you've been like a ghost on campus. I miss when the three of us used to walk home together after school. If you don't want my help, fine, but don't drag me through the mud for it. No wonder Asher isn't into you, the way you act so paranoid.

Elara let out a low, sarcastic laugh. "Oh, there it is. That's the real Daphne talking, isn't it? Now that Asher's all about you and ignoring me, you must feel real good, don't you?"

"Elara Kensington!" Daphne snapped, finally losing it. Tve always believed we should support each other, but you keep throwing shade just because I have better grades? Because Asher likes me?

Tve never seen you as competition! I've always wanted to be friends, but you're always doubting me! Why do you have to make things so damn hard for me?"

"Oh, I'm the one throwing shade now?" Elara shot back, her expression shifting between disbelief and anger.

She used to think Daphine was better than this. But after everything she'd gone through-the memories from before her time travel-it all cut like a knife.

She remembered how she'd been betrayed, left in the dark by Asher. And Daphne had been right there, accusing her of being loose, even hinting she had AIDS.

In her last moments, Daphne had finally shown her true face, proudly admitting everything-

There was no betrayal worse than from someone one trusted. And here was Daphne, still acting like she was some kind of

saint

Elara let out a small, sarcastic laugh. "Oh, you're a real saint, aren't you? You know the Blackwood family is a damn bottomless pit, but now you're trying to drag me in too? Funny how you never mentioned giving Asher to me before."

"You're overthinking this!" Daphne snapped back, keeping her voice steady. "Asher's got ambition, and he's gonna make it big! He just needs a little support right now.

"If you help him, he'll never forget it. But seriously, think about Lysander-if he found out you were being well, kept, do you really think he'd still give a damn about you?"

painful reminder that he hadn't texted her back that morning. Clearly, he

now. Deep down,

much he was hurting and told him to talk to you, but he'said he didn't want to

18:23 Wed, Nov 6

Chapter 30

a smile, but it felt hollow. Maybe oner she would've

43%

he didn't even have the balls to show any morse. Daphne kept going, undeterred. "Asher's really struggling right now, and all I wanted to do was help

to let them stay

shot up. "Alright. Have him come to me and say it

work? That just confirmed he wasn't even willing to try. Daphne sighed. "Asher's way too proud. He's not gonna

she used to, Asher would eventually

this straight. You want me to crawl back, offer him a job, and maybe

see the problem. After all, Elara had done things like that before. "If you help him out, he'll be grateful. You know he will,"

gratitude worth? Do I look like I need his thanks? Ever since

agree, I

totally have your back." He won't snap at you like before. And if he tries to

from now on

on you to protect me? Unbelievable. People really have

on her heel and walked away, deciding

watched her leave, frustration bubbling up inside her. Even after trying to help her out with Asher, Elara still

Asher, he was playing basketball with some friends. The moment she showed

walked toward

was just talking to Elara," Daphne

give you hell?" Asher asked, concern creeping into