After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter 31

Asher couldn't stop thinking about Elara's biting words from earlier, saying Daphne didn't care about him anymore.

Noticing the tension in his face, Daphne quickly jumped in, trying to lighten the mood. "Asher, come on, it's just a fake breakup! You'll always be my number one.

"We're just playing our parts for now, but once we graduate, we're both off to Queensun University. Trust me, Elara doesn't stand a chance of getting in! Can't you see how much I care about you?" Asher looked at Daphne, who was willing to go this far for him, and a whirlwind of emotions hit him all at once. "Daphne, you really don't have to go through all this for me."

The fact that she stood up to Elara, all for his sake-that wasn't something just anyone would do.

Tm good with it, seriously! Just go for it!" Daphne shot him a look full of determination and encouragement.

Meanwhile, in the classroom, Elara was hunched over her desk, scribbling away like mad, when Asher picked the worst possible moment to show up.

His tall figure blocked the sunlight streaming in from the window, and Elara, irritated, glanced up. "What now? she asked. her tone sharp.

Why the hell are you bullying Daphne?" Asher demanded, no trace of warmth in his voice.

Elara blinked, caught completely off guard. "Me? Bullying her? You've gotta be kidding."

Asher didn't back down. His tone was hard, like he was accusing her of something serious. "Elara, just because you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth doesn't mean you can treat the rest of us like crap. "Do you really think you can stomp all over people just because you've had it easier? Daphne busts her ass every day and she's never done a damn thing to you."

Elara's patience snapped. "I haven't bullied her she fired back.

"Then why are you calling her manipulative?"

"So, just because I said she's manipulative, that makes me a bully now? Seriously?"

Elara could barely believe what she was hearing. She'd half-expected Daphne to have spun some bullshit story, but this was ridiculous

A bitter, ugly feeling twisted in her chest. She knew all about the rumors that followed her around campus-Daphne had even spread the one about her being some rich guy's sugar baby

And Asher, of all people, knew the truth. But he'd never once defended her. And now, just because she called Daphne out on her shady behavior, she was the villain.

The difference between love and indifference hit her like a punch to the gut. Harsh. Brutal.

"Yeah, I know I've treated you unfairly. But if you're pissed, take it out on me, not Daphne. She's done

him off, clearly irritated "Fine! I'll apologize, okay? She's not manipulative; she's a freaking saint, right? It's all

Chapter 31

hard

rolled her eyes. "You better keep protecting her-wouldn't want your precious, fragile girlfriend to blow over with

gaze, unfazed by her

looking at you now, it seems like you've got everything handled. So, whatever, I'll drop it since you're clearly doing just fine without my help." After class, Elara stormed off. Daphine walked over to Asher, who

"Nah, I'm sticking around a

heading out?"

to rush to the store. Honestly, he wasnt in a hurry to go home either-going home meant dealing with Jefferson's nonstop

a little worried, asked, "So, how

for anything. No chance. I'm not spending her money. Ill figure it out on my own. My boss offered me a gig tutoring

generous, and with Asher's top-notch grades, tutoring paid

with Elara, but

YEL

went to see Elara for you. If you're not interested, then whatever. I shouldn't have bothered sticking my nose where it doesn't belong With that, she spun

him a favor last time, Hadden had been extra

gave a slight nod,

bit curious. "Mr. Hawthorne's not

to deal with," Elara said, a little disappointed. She had texted him

conversation in another direction. "So, what are you in the mood

picky." Elara said, brushing it off. Then, switching gears, she added, "Actually,

eyebrow, intrigued.

buying some land, Elara said,

"Buying land? Elara, come on. Why dive into that mess? Wouldn't it be better to spend your money on something fun, like clothes or jewelry? What's

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it over. She knew Tadden had been trying to get rid of a few properties for what felt like forever, but no one was interested. It was eating him up, and he was desperate

those same properties eventually ended up in Asher's hands, and he turned them

thrown himself into real estate and be booming internet scene-both industries primed to blow up in the future. Seeing Hadden's reluctance, Elara just

eye on were the very ones Hadden was eager to sell. He hesitated, clearly surprised by

beat. Tll run it by your dad. If he's cool with it, I'll sell you the