After Death, Love Unveiled (Elara and Lysander)

Lysander couldn't care less about the basketball game earlier. To be honest, he wasn't even trying to fake interest.

Elara, after changing into something more comfortable, slowly made her way downstairs to join Lysander in the yard. They were going over their answers together, and when she realized she got a bunch of them right, her mood brightened instantly. The day the exam results came out, Maia Eland, the homeroom teacher, strolled into class and, as usual, started by praising Asher and Daphne for staying at the top of the ranks.

But the

then, Maia threw a curveball. "However, today I'd like to recognize another student-Elara Kensington!"

Elara's ears perked up in surprise.

Asher shot her a sideways glance, his face twisted with disbelief and a touch of disdain.

Maia continued. "Elara has shown exceptional improvement this time. She used to be near the bottom of the class, but now she's jumped up to the top 200. If she keeps this up, she's got a solid chance at nailing the college entrance exams." "Top 200?" The whole class was shocked. Even Asher couldn't hide his surprise.

He had thought if she really pushed herself, she'd go up a hundred spots, max. But top 200? Seriously?' he thought.

Elara herself was just as stunned. She'd never expected to jump so far up the ranks.

Maybe all the crap she'd been through had made her more driven. She had been busting her ass in class and reviewing everything afterward with Lysander. His guidance made even the hardest problems feel like no big deal. Turned out, hard work actually pays off.

"Are you sure, Ms. Eland? Elara? The girl who used to bomb every test?" a student piped up, obviously confused.

"I'm sure," Maia replied, giving Elara a nod of approval. She used to be frustrated by Elara dragging down the class, but now she was impressed.

Maia's confirmation made Elara's heart soar.

She caught Asher glaring at her, and with a smug grin, she taunted, "Well, well. What do you think now? Didn't you call me dumb? Don't forget about our six-mile bet!" Asher's jaw tightened as he looked away, confused. How the fuck did she get this good? Is Lysander really that much of a genius?' he wondered.

After school, Asher begrudgingly started his six-mile run, while Elara stayed behind, enjoying every second of his misery.

She sat back with a smirk, watching him drag his exhausted ass around the track. It was the best thing she'd seen all day. This is fucking priceless, she thought with glee.

Nearby, Daphne stood in silence, her cold gaze following Elara.

Not far off, Lizzie kept sneaking glances at Elara, leaning in close to Daphne to whisper, "Top 200, and she's already acting like she's hot shit? Asher's first, and even he's not this cocky. And you came second!" Daphne smiled serenely, her gaze drifting to Asher. "A bet's a bet. Asher's not one to back out just because he lost."

"Exactly. Lizzie agreed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who cares if she did well this once? She's still stuck with that creepy old guy. Just the thought of her with him makes me want to puke."

Daphne shook her head softly, cutting her off. "Let's not gossip."

"Daphne, you're way too damn nice!' Lizzie teased, affectionately linking her arm with Daphne's.

By the time Asher wrapped up that brutal six-mile run, the sky was pitch dark, and whatever daylight was left had all but disappeared.

Soaked in sweat, he shot a tired glance at Elara. "Happy now!"

Elara flashed him a smug grin and nodded. "You did great. Feel free to bet with me anytime. With that, she got up, clearly pleased with herself, and practically bounced through the school gates, her steps light and carefree, Asher stood there, watching her walk away, a storm of mixed emotions swirling inside him. He couldn't help but think back to how she used to hang on his every word. Now, she wouldn't even spare him a second glance. His mind wandered to her and Lysander. 'Are they really gonna end up together? Their families were a perfect match, and honestly, it seemed like a done deal, he thought.

The thought made his chest tighten. It felt like something that should've been his was being ripped at

away.

"Asher." Daphne's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. She'd obviously caught him staring after Elara. "You must be wiped. Here, drink some water."

She handed him a bottle, and he took it with a polite nod. Thanks."

Around Daphne, Asher always kept his cool, playing the role of the perfect gentleman.

"That was some serious running." Daphne said, eyeing him. "But isn't it kinda weird? Elara's grades used to suck, and now she's suddenly pulling top scores?"

Before Asher could say anything. Lizzie chimed in. Think she cheated? I wouldn't be surprised. Probably just wanted to screw with Asher. I mean, come on, he's been tutoring her nonstop, and out of nowhere she's a damn genius?" Daphne shot her a warning look. "Don't go throwing accusations around without proof, Lizzie. You'll get yourself into trouble." Lizzie shrugged it off. "Whatever. I'll talk to the teacher about it tomorrow. Bet you anything I'm right." Elara couldn't wait to get home after school. She was dying to tell Lysander the good news. After all, it was thanks to his help that Asher finally admitted defeat

But when she walked through the door, Ursa told her, "Mr. Hawthorne didn't come by today."

Elara's excitement fizzled a little. "Oh... okay," she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

She changed into something more comfortable and went to the dining room to eat alone. With Barrett out of town, the house felt way too quiet for her liking.

Eventually, she gave in and called Lysander. At that moment, he was at home, swimming laps. His butler walked over and said, "Mr. Hawthorne, there's a call for you."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Lysander didn't seem to care until the butler added, "It's Miss Kensington."

Only then did he pull himself out of the pool, grabbing the towel offered to him and draping it over his shoulders.

As he picked up the phone, the usual stern look on his face softened. "Hey," he said, his voice calm.

"Hey, hope I'm not interrupting anything, Elara said

"Nah, just swimming. Lysander replied, casual as ever.

"I heard you didn't come by today, so I thought I'd call, she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Guess what? I improved so much, I made it into the top 200 And, oh my god, watching Asher suffer through that six-mile run was so damn satisfying!" Lysander chuckled, settling down on a lounge chair. That's great," he said, letting her excitement wash over hum.

After a few moments, she paused. "Are you even listening?"

2:39 PM00.

"Yeah, I'm here. Congrats," he said.

"Im not bothering you, am I?"

""Nope, you're good. I've got time," he assured her.

Elara smiled, even though he couldn't see it. "You've been coming over every day to help me study. You must be wiped out. Why don't you take a couple days off? I can handle the studying on my own, and if I need help. I'll just call or text you." "Sounds like a plan."

Elara didn't hang up right away, sensing something was off. "Lysander, you sound... I don't know... off. Is everything okay? You can talk to me if something's bothering you."

Lysander was quiet for a moment, caught off guard by her concern.