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?"

was a painful reminder that he hadn't texted her back

Daphne mistook it for hesitation and pressed on. "Look, Asher's got his reasons for not being with you right now. Deep down, he still cares about you." Elara raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "He cares

earnestly. "I swear! I saw how much he was hurting and told him to talk to you, but he'said he didn't want to drag you into

18:23 Wed, Nov 6

Chapter 30

it felt hollow. Maybe oner

43%

got AIDS because of him-and 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 him out. If you're willing to be with him, I swear III step

her real plan was to let them stay together until after

Have him come to

Asher actually showed up, apologized, and begged her for forgiveness, maybe-just maybe-she'd consider it. But having Daphne do his dirty work? That just confirmed he wasn't even willing to try. Daphne sighed. "Asher's way too proud. He's not gonna come to you himself. If you want to help him, why don't

acted like she used to, Asher

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

things like that before. "If you help him out, he'll be

thanks? Ever since he stopped tutoring me, my grades have skyrocketed. Honestly, I'm worried I'm improving

promised, "If you agree, I swear Asher will only

like before. And if he tries to give you

from now on

rely on you to protect me? Unbelievable. People really have no

that, she turned on her heel and walked away, deciding any further conversation was a waste

Even after trying to help her out with Asher, Elara still had that attitude. Guess

The moment she

glanced over at Daphne and walked toward her. "Where have you

just talking to Elara," Daphne replied, a bit

hell?" Asher asked, concern