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.

know I've treated you unfairly. But if you're pissed, take it out on

She's not manipulative; she's a freaking saint, right? It's

Chapter 31

her a hard look-Knock off

keep protecting her-wouldn't want your precious, fragile girlfriend to blow

gaze, unfazed by

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

replied, "Nah,

heading out?"

wasnt in a hurry to go home either-going home meant dealing with Jefferson's

little worried, asked, "So,

up, his voice steady. "Daphne, I'm not asking her for anything. No chance. I'm not spending her money.

grades, tutoring paid way better than his retail

had already smoothed things over with Elara, but it turned out he hadn't even made

YEL

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 around and walked off. Meanwhile, Elara made her way straight to the Regal Crest Hotel The moment

a favor last time,

a slight nod, "Yeah,

a bit curious. "Mr. Hawthorne's

disappointed. She had texted him

the conversation in another direction. "So, what are you in the mood to eat? I can have the

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

intrigued. "Business? What

want to talk about buying some land, Elara said,

it be better to spend your money on something fun, like clothes or jewelry? What's got you suddenly interested in real estate?" 18:23 Wed, Nov

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knew Tadden had been trying to get rid of a few properties for what felt like forever, but no one was interested. It was

what she remembered, those same properties eventually ended up in Asher's hands, and he

ass as Asher could be, the guy had a knack for spotting money-makers. Ever since Elara handed the company over to him, he'd thrown himself into real estate and be booming internet scene-both industries primed to blow up in the

Hadden was eager to sell. He hesitated,

after a beat. Tll run it by your dad. If he's cool