After Death, Love Unveiled (Elara and Lysander)

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9

For the first time ever, Asher actually took a step back. It was obvious just how much this birthday party meant to him.

If he didn't care about his image, he wouldn't bother acting like the rich kid at school, and he sure wouldn't have gone all inviting so many people to his party

So, he does care about his reputation after all, Elara thought with a smirk. Seeing Asher-normally so cold and aloof-bend over backwards for a birthday party was almost hilarious to her.

She gave a slight nod and said, "Well, it's your birthday, and I don't want to ruin everyone's fun, right?" Then, turning to the manager, she added. I booked one of the private dining rooms under Asher Blackwood's name" The manager checked and confirmed, "Yes, Miss Kensington"

Elara smiled politely. "Since it's Asher's special day, let him have the room," she said, turning back to Asher. "That work for you?"

Seeing her finally give in, Asher let out a small sigh of relief.

But then his voice turned sharp, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "You did all this just to keep me away from Daphne, didn't you? You just can't stand seeing us together

Elara didn't flinch, her voice steady, "You're giving yourself too much credit. I don't give a damn who you're with. But one day Asher, you'll realize-without me, you're nothing

The manager stood there, awkwardly witnessing the verbal slap she just delivered

"I'm done with you, Asher growled, turning on his heel and storming off.

The manager quickly turned to Elara, trying to ease the tension. "I'll have the private room ready for you, Miss Kensington." Elara nodded. "Great. And make sure he pays the bill before he leaves. Nobody skips out on the check." "Understood, Miss Kensington."

Once everything was settled, Elara left to go find Lysander

Meanwhile, Asher returned to Daphne, who immediately noticed his dark expression. She looked at him with concern. "What happened? What did she say?"

Asher waved her off. "Nothing important."

As he glanced at Daphne's kind, worried face, a thought flashed through his mind. Break up with Daphne? Elara's out of her damn mind. After tonight's party. Elara can go to hell. I'm done with her Lysander wasn't in his usual school uniform today. Instead, he wore a simple white T-shirt. Basic, but somehow it looked ridiculously stylish on him.

When Elara walked in, Lysander was browsing the menu. He looked up when he heard her approach.

Elara gave him a warm smile. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Nah, just got here, Lysander replied, his eyes drifting over her:

She was wearing a pleated skirt today, looking lively and cute, though he couldn't help noticing she seemed a little thinner than the last time they hung oui

Elara casually sat down right next to him, surprising him a bit. There were plenty of other seats, but she chose the one right beside him. Lysander felt a bit self-conscious.

But Elara didn't seem to notice. "Have you ordered yet?" she asked, her tone casual.

1. just checking out the menu," he replied, trying to sound chill.

"Let me see," she said, leaning in closer to share his menu.

At that moment, I ysander couldn't even concentrate on the menu anymore-he was completely distracted by the person

Her light, fresh fragrance wasn't overpowering, just enough to make him curious. He found himself wondering what kind of shampoo she used.

Elara ordered a few spicy dishes, hoping the heat would jolt her back to reality. The days when she had been sick felt like a mightmare

Even now, after traveling back in time, those painful memories still haunted her dreams

As soon as the spice hit her tongue, she fanneil herself, grabbing for her cold drink to cool the burn. Noticing her reaction, Lysander asked, "You good with spicy food?" "It's alright," she said, looking up at him. "You?"

"Yeah, same, he replied with a grin, then grabbed his fork and helped himself to some of the dishes,

The staff in the room stayed discreetly on standby, ready to serve. Just then, Hadden Mann, the owner of the Regal Crest Hotel, walked in.

Elara greeted him with a polite smile, "Hello, Hadden"

Hadden beamed at her. "Elara! What a sumprise to see you here!"

His words made it clear he hadn't come for her. True to form. Hadden quickly turned his attention to Lysander, addressing him respectfully. "Mr. Hawthorne, welcome to our hotel. I hope everything's to your satisfaction." Hadden knew Lysander's real identity, thanks to his close ties with Elara's father. Almost no one in Brookfield knew who Lysander really was, let alone that he was the heir to the Hawthorne family from Starfield City Lysander just gave a small smile and muttered a casual "Yeah, thanks, before going back to his food. His cool detachment made it seem like he was miles away, even though he was right there.

Elara had always thought Lysander was outgoing and fun to be around, but seeing him like this, she realized he wasn't much

for small talk.

Hadden lingered for a while, even pouring water for Lysander himself, but the awkward silence just stretched on.

The tension was thick, and eventually, Hadden took the hint and politely excused himself. "T'll leave you two to enjoy your meal. Elara, take care." "Wait, Hadden, Elara called after him.

He turned back, his face lighting up with that warm, familiar smile. "Anything else, Elara?"

That smile-like a sunny spring day-had always made her feel at ease, and she'd respected him ever since she was a kid.

But if her memory served her right, before she time-traveled, the Regal Crest Hotel had burned down just three days after Asher's birthday party.

The kitchen had terrible fire safety, and by the time they realized the fire extinguishers weren't working, it was too late. People

had died.

The once-proud Regal Crest Hotel, the jewel of Brookfield's hospitality industry, was never the same after that. They said the disaster had taken such a toll on Hadden that it eventually made him sick. Elara glanced at Hadden, her face etched with concern. "You sure the hotel's fire safety is solid?"

Hadden blinked, clearly thrown off by the sudden question. "What's got you so worried, Elara?"

"I don't know... I just feel like it wouldn't hurt to check, especially in the kitchen. Better safe than sorry, right?"

"Relax," Hadden said, thumping his chest confidently. "Our fire safety's top-tier. There's nothing to worry about. We've gon every comer covered Guests are safe, no doubt about it." Chapter 9

Elara didn't back down, her eyes locked on his. "Why don't you just check it yourself?"

Hadden's smile faltered, and his brow furrowed. "What the hell, Elara? You don't trust me? Your dad and I go way back. He knows me better than that. I've always run a tight ship. Now you're questioning my integrity?" To him, Elara was just a kid, not much older than his daughter. In his eyes, there was no way she knew a thing about running a

hotel

Before the tension could rise any further, Lysander, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up. "Since she brought up, why not just take a look?"

Lysander hadn't said much to Hadden since he got there, usually just giving short responses. But now, with him weighing in, Hadden sighed in frustration. "Fine, I'll check."

Despite being around Elara's age, Lysander had this calm, no-nonsense vibe about him. It made people listen when he spoke. whether they liked it or not.