After Death, Love Unveiled (Elara and Lysander)

As always, Asher kept that icy mask firmly in place around Elara, never letting even the faintest hint of warmth slip through.

She knew all too well that his heart was as cold and unyielding as stone. Any brief glimpses of kindness were nothing but a charade.

Yet, despite knowing this, catching that rare moment of softness stirred something deep inside her-an unexpected and unwelcome flicker of satisfaction. "No." Elara muttered.

A faint smirk tugged at the corners of Asher's lips. "So, you're really not gonna make up with me, huh?"

Elara hesitated for a split second, then shot back with a smirk of her own, "What, you're broke again? You only pull this crap when you're running low on cash."

He met her gaze, completely unfazed, and replied slowly, "You're reading way too much into this. I just wanted to check in on you. But hey, whatever, I'm out."

He turned to leave, but after just a few steps, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground.

Elara quickly called out for Ursa. When Ursa rushed over and spotted Asher sprawled out, she couldn't help but blurt, "Isn't that Mr. Blackwood? What happened to him? Elara rolled her eyes. "How should I know? He just collapsed like a fool!"

ta

Ursa, umbrella in hand, crouched down and pressed a hand to Asher's forehead. "Shit, he's burning up-probably got a fever. What should we do? Leave him here, or do we help him!"

Elara took a breath, then shrugged. "Fine, let's drag him inside and get a doctor."

"Should we put him in his old room?" Ursa asked, looking a little unsure.

"Hell no. Didn't Jefferson have a spare room somewhere? Stick him there for now," Elara replied dismissively.

Once, she'd gone all out to prepare a room just for him, decorating it to perfection. But now, with him in this sorry state, she figured that would be a waste. The driver's quarters seemed plenty good for him now, Ursa directed the staff to haul Asher into the servant's quarters and called in a doctor. After checking him out, they confirmed it was just a fever-nothing serious. They left him there to sleep it off.

Elara stood by the window, watching the rain pour down outside. Fresh from her shower, she lay in bed, but sleep wouldn't

come.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Lysander: [I'm home.]

She texted back: [Ok. I just got out of the shower.]

Lysander replied: [Got some sleep.]

Elara: [Yeah, yeah. Good night.] She typed before finally letting herself drift off, the sound of rain tapping gently against the windowpane.

The next morning. Elara woke up to the mouthwatering smell of the lavish breakfast Ursa had whipped up for her. As she settled in at the table, she asked, "So, how's Asher doing?"

Ursa replied, "He was up before dawn and took off early."

Elara raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Seriously?" She figured he'd still be hanging around.

Ursa continued, "I told him to stick around until you woke up, but he wasn't having it. Honestly, sometimes I can't figure out what's going on in that guy's head." Chapter 23

Elara smirked. "Right? He acts like he's got a few screws loose."

Taking the chance, Ursa advised, "You know, Mr. Hawthorne seems like a much better catch. You really should keep your distance from Asher. She worried Elara might get mixed up with him again. Elara reassured her with a grin, "No need to worry! If he hadn't collapsed at my doorstep yesterday, I wouldn't have bothered I'm not looking to deal with a corpse on my porch." Ursa sighed with relief. "Good to hear."

Ever since Elara had stopped being so infatuated, Ursa felt more at case. It seemed like the once impulsive young woman had finally grown up.

At school, Elara noticed Asher was back, now in clean clothes, sitting in the classroom. When he saw her, he quickly averted his gaze, slipping back into his usual icy demeanor. Elara silently fumed, 'What an asshole. I saved his sorry ass last night, and he can't even say thanks. So, she plopped down at her desk and ignored him.

After class, Daphne caught up with Asher on their way to a student council meeting, With concern, she asked, "Feeling better today?"

Asher gave her a quick glance. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Hey, losing the game yesterday isn't the end of the world. Daphne tried to reassure him, but worry tinged her voice.

She'd seen him with Elara the day before and was anxious he might ditch her for Elara.

But Asher stayed silent, still pissed off about Jefferson swiping his money last night.

Sensing his mood, Daphne gathered her courage and said, "Asher... if you want to be with Elara. I'm behind you all the way;

Asher suddenly looked up and said earnestly. "You're way off base! I'm not into Elara. It's just... seeing her with Lysander gets on my nerves. I can't stand them having it all their way!" Daphne felt a wave of relief. "Glad to hear it. No matter what, Asher, I'm here for you!"

Asher nodded, but his mind was busy figuring out how to escape Jefferson's schemes to scam the Kensington family. He wasn't about to let that happen.

He knew all too well that Jefferson was a man without principles, and he couldn't let himself be dragged into something he had no desire to be a part of.

So, as soon as he sobered up that morning, he left the Kensington place, determined to cut all ties with Elara.

For a while after that, Asher was always seen with Daphne and barely crossed paths with Elara.

Elara, on the other hand, didn't really care. She threw herself into her studies and spent her spare time checking out real estate opportunities.

With property prices still low, it was the perfect time to invest for some promising future returns.

That afternoon, after a long day of classes, Elara stayed later than usual, buried in her assignments. By the time she finally made it to the school gate, the place was nearly deserted. "Hey, Miss Kensington." A voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

Looking up, she saw Jefferson standing nearby.

Jefferson!" she said, instantly recognizing him. "Are you here to see Asher?"

Jefferson's gaze lingered on her for a second before he replied, "Yeah, came to check in on him. I've been giving him a hard time lately, but hell, he brought it on himself. Messing around with that Wagner girl... It's his own damn mess. Don't let it get Chapter 2

to you."

Elara couldn't help but notice Jetterson's disheveled hair, like he hadn't washed it in days, and the dark circles under his eyes. He looked exhausted. She frowned a little.

Just then. Asher and Daphne walked out of the school gate. The second Asher spotted her with Jefferson, he stormed over. grabbing Flara by the arm and pulling her aside, glaring at his father. "What the hell are you doing here?"

After Jefferson had taken off with Asher's money and disappeared the last time. Asher figured he had probably blown it all and

was back for more.

Jefferson just shrugged, giving him a careless look. "What? Can't a guy have a chat with his future daughter-in-law? What's it to you? Mind your own damn business!"

Asher let out a bitter laugh. Future daughter-in-law? Are you outta your damn mind?" He turned to Elara, his tone biting. "Why the hell are you still standing here? What, you actually wanna play along with this bullshit? Think you can handle that Get lost? His words were cold and sharp. Even though Elara had grown used to Asher's harsh attitude, what he said today stung more

than usual

Her eyes widened as she looked at him, feeling a sharp mix of confusion and hurt. Why does he always have to be such a jerk?" she thought bitterly