His Destructive, Toxic Love

Holding Brock, Eliza headed to the room the servants had set up for him. It was a north-facing guest room, not too big but not too small either. It used to be a storage room but now it was spotless, emanating a warm and cozy vibe. "Brock, be good and play here. Mommy has to work but I'll be back later," she said softly, her heart aching with how much she felt she owed him. "Soon, I'll find you a new preschool, okay?"

"Okay," he replied in his sweet, little voice. Brock was always so understanding.

After settling him in, Eliza changed into her servant's uniform and got to work. Casper returned to find her on her knees, diligently scrubbing the floor.

"Where is everyone? Did they all die? Isn't there anyone else available to clean?" he roared, flaring up in anger seemingly out of nowhere.

A servant hurried over, quickly taking the cleaning cloth from Eliza's hands. Eliza was puzzled and rose from the floor, asking, "Did I do something wrong?" "Eliza, did I bring you here to clean? You sure know how to find work," he snapped, kicking off his leather shoes.

She immediately bent down, placing his shoes properly and offering him slippers. "Sir, please change your shoes."

Casper grabbed her wrist gently but firmly, pulling her onto the couch. Her beautiful eyes trembled slightly, never quite understanding why Casper was so angry.

"I brought you back to Falconridge not to be a servant," he grumbled, kicking away the slippers. "With such keen eyes, you'd better take good care of me in bed later."

He didn't do anything more. After a few harsh words, he went upstairs. Just as he rounded the corner, he saw Brock holding an action figure, staring at him.

"What are you looking at?" Casper snapped, annoyed.

Brock seemed scared and stepped back. "You're scary."

"That's scary to you?" Casper, feeling playful, made a face at the little guy, who immediately burst into tears.

The crying was enough to bring Eliza running up the stairs. "Brock," she quickly scooped the sobbing child into her arms. "What happened? Why are you crying? Tell me

Brock pointed at Casper. "He is scary."

Casper was about to explain, but Eliza took Brock back to his room, throwing a fierce look over her shoulder Casper touched his nose, wondering if she was angry. Well, her kid was easily scared. Such timidity would get Brock bullied.

After getting Brock to sleep, Eliza stepped out of the room. Casper was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his face turned slightly to look at her.

"Your kid really needs to toughen up. If he goes to school like this, he'll end up crying all the time," he said, his tone teasing.

Eliza frowned, her eyes flashing a warning. "You better stay away from my son. Don't scare him."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"I didn't scare him. Plus, I was just

stating the facts. How's a boy that timid supposed to survive in the

world?" Casper raised an eyebrow, a dismissive smile on his face

"My child, my responsibility. I don't need you giving your unwelcome advice," Eliza's tone was cold and annoyed.

He shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Fine. I won't bother your precious son. He's not my kid, so why should I care?"