After Death, Love Unveiled (Elara and Lysander)

Elara couldn't help but glance at lysander as he spoke. The way his eyes locked onto hers made her cheeks Blush a soft pink.

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She thought her heart had gone mumb after everything that happened before the time travel, but somehow, chatting with Lysander like this brought back a flutter of unexpected shyness.

It

It took her a second to shake off the surprise before she asked. "Do you talk to everyone like that?

"Not even close," Lysander replied, a bit too quickly, his sincerity clear. I'm not that kind of guy"

"So, what, I'm special? Elara teased, flashing him a grin.

Lysander stiffened slightly at her words, his gaze shifting away as he muttered, "I promised Mr. Kensington I'd look out for

you

The mention of her father instantly dampened Elara's mood. 'Of course. The perfect poster boy, she thought Half-joking, she asked. "So, if your family told you to be with someone else, you'd just nod and go along with it?" Lysander was caught off guard. his expression suddenly complicated as he looked at her.

Noticing his hesitation, Elara let out a laugh. "Relax, I'm just messing with you! Don't get all serious on me. You're making me feel like a bully Then, with a bit more caution, she asked, "Lysander, is there someone you like?" His surprise was obvious as he paused before replying, "Why are you asking me that out of the blue?"

"Just curious. Elara shrugged casually. "I mean, even though my dad asked you to watch over me and you agreed, you've still got your own life, right? If there's someone you're into, don't hold back because of me.

Lysander stared at her for a long moment before he finally spoke. "Is it because we're together all the time that you're getting tired of me?" There was a flicker of hurt in his eyes.

"No, no! It's not like that at all! I'm not trying to push you away, Elara protested, but before she could finish, Lysander stood up abruptly and walked out.

"Hey, Lysander! Don't be so dramatic!" Elara called after him, but he didn't stop.

Ursa saw him coming out and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Hawthorne."

With a grim expression, Lysander simply said, Tm heading back

"Alright, take care," Ursa replied, seeing him off with her usual politeness.

Elara made her way downstairs and noticed Lysander was already gone. Seeing her, Ursa asked in a concerned voice, "Miss Kensington, is everything alright?" Elara sighed, exasperated. "Ugh, he's mad again! I was just making small talk, and he totally overreacted. Why's he so damn touchy?"

Just as she was about to chase after him, Ursa gently reminded her, "Miss Kensington, remember the real estate agents are coming by later to discuss the house."

Only then did Elara remember the important business she had to take care of. She decided to stay put and handle the property matters first. 18:22 Wed, Nov 6

Asher dragged himself home, exhausted after a long day at work, only to find Jefferson still hanging around.

Normally, Jefferson would've taken off by now, but today he stuck around, smoking to pass the time since he was strapped

for cash.

When Asher walked in, Jefferson sneered, "Working your ass off all night and what do you got to show for it? Three hundred bucks a month? That's chump change compared to the pocket money Elara's throwing around." Asher shot back, "Why do you even care? At least I'm earning it myself."

Jefferson waved him off. "And for what? All that hard work and the cash Elara gave you still dwarfs anything you'll ever make. Don't kid yourself, Asher. Don't think you're some big shot just because you made a little progress. This world runs on connections, kid. Remember the cushy life we had when you were with the Kensingtons? Look at us now."

Asher stood firm. "I'm not stooping to that. Aren't you worried one day you'll get caught, and we'll both end up screwed?" He glared at Jefferson. "And you, if family's everything to you, where the hell were you as a dad?"

Jefferson was thrown off for a second, then went defensive. I had my own shit to deal with, and your mom being sick didn't exactly help. That's why I pushed you toward Elara! What's the point of sticking with Daphne? You'll be broke as hell if you marry her. The Kensingtons have money, and Elara likes you. Just play it right, and she'll be wrapped around your finger." Asher shot him down, "I don't feel anything for her! I'm not gonna be with someone I don't care about."

Jefferson pressed on. "Who gives a damn about feelings, you idiot! I'm not telling you to fall for her, I'm telling you to get her money. What's so hard about that?"

Asher stood his ground. "No way in hell. I'm not doing it." He knew deep down that Elara and he were worlds apart, and he wanted no part in that mess.

He couldn't lie, though-having Elara in his life had made things a lot smoother.

But every time he saw that smug look on Jefferson's face, it made his blood boil. Jefferson hadn't just driven his mom away- he'd been a deadbeat dad from the start

Now, here he was, trying to sponge off Asher while wasting away on gambling. 'He doesn't even deserve to be called "father," Asher fumed silently.

Jefferson laughed bitterly. "Oh, come on! If it weren't for me passing down these good looks, you really think you'd be catching eyes like that? Sure, you aced school, but I wasn't some dumbass back then either. What's so special about Barrett Kensington? His grades were worse than mine! He just had a rich daddy to bail him out, Pure luck."

Asher's face darkened, and without a word, he stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him.

Jefferson kept ranting outside, but Asher jammed some tissue in his ears, shutting him out completely.

The next morning, Elara spotted Asher at school. He walked in with bruises on his face and an ugly cut at the corner of his mouth.

Elara hesitated, recalling the fight he had with Jefferson the day before. Did his dad hit him when he got home?' she wondered.

Asher quietly took his seat, but the tension around him was thick. Even Daphne looked horrified at the sight of him, her face drained of color.

Elara couldn't keep her mouth shut any longer. Seeing Asher looking so battered yet still defiant, she blurted out, "Did your dad beat you up?"

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His expression darkened even more as he glanced at her. "Oh, here we go. You wanna play here again? Fine Hand over 300 grand. He's neck-deep in gambling debt. Give me the money, and I'll date you. How about that?"

His eyes were full of sarcasm, mocking her for even asking.

Elara's temper flared. "I was just asking! Now you're bringing up money and dating? Get realt

"Then stay the hell out of my business, Asher shot back, staring hard at the floor.

In truth, it wasn't Jefferson who hit him. That morning, debt collectors had stormed in, turning their house upside down.