His Destructive, Toxic Love

He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze lingering on her relaxed figure. "Why didn't you stay with the Simmons family?"

She turned over, her back to Casper. "Mind your own business."

He shrugged, then quietly moved behind her, lying down in the same position. His large hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. "You and David getting engaged isn't because of Carter's illness, is it?" Eliza's back went rigid. Casper was just too smart.

If only he were always a fool.

"Let go of me. My life is none of your business."

She tried to wriggle free from his strong grip, but the more she struggled, the tighter he held her, as if he wanted to meld her into himself.

"Just hold on for a bit, okay? Don't throw a tantrum."

His voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of teasing. His breath lightly brushed her ear, like a spring breeze, making her feel both uneasy and resigned.

"You're crazy," she frowned.

"Crazy in love with you," he said, tightening his grip and gently turning her to face him. His deep eyes locked onto hers. "I'm pretty old-fashioned. With me, you can rest assured, I won't change."

Eliza: ...

What was he even saying? Promises? Vows?

He had amnesia, she didn't.

Was she really supposed to believe his nonsense? Throw herself into an abyss again?

"Mr. Casper, if you're unwell, go get treated. Stop bothering a woman you barely know." She decided to lay it all out, to put an end to his persistence. "I've got a child and no plans to marry again. And you, with your high status, shouldn't be mingling with someone like me. So... please, just leave me alone, okay?"

"I can treat your child as my own," he said earnestly. "Besides, I don't have any high status right now. Could you perhaps pity me and take me in, please?"

Eliza: ...

How did it turn into him begging her?

Was this still the proud Casper?

"Let go of me first, then we'll talk."

Instead of letting go, he held her even tighter, as if afraid she'd bolt, pressing his body firmly against hers "If you don't agree, I won't let go."

His words were both stubborn and endearing.

BUMS

Eliza was at her wit's end. She closed her eyes. "I'm hungry."

"Hungry?" He sat up, the bed

a slightly, and pulled Elizat

with him. "What do you want

I'll

e you." Content belon

Peat?

"Anything."

She pondered, her eyes never leaving his movements.

"What do you love to eat?" he asked, his voice laced with tenderness.

"I'm easy. Please, let's just go, I'm starving."

Casper smiled slightly, asked no more, and turned towards the door.

Just as his hand touched the doorknob, a sudden push came from behind. Stumbling forward, he nearly fell. Eliza seized the moment to slam the door shut and lock it.

Perfect.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Mr. Casper, please go home and stop bothering me."

Eliza clapped her hands as if she had just shooed away a nuisance.

She was truly fed up.

"Valerie, now you're playing tricks on me? Open the door."

He pressed the doorbell, his tone not particularly angry, even a hint of a helpless smile on his lips.