His Destructive, Toxic Love

Aaron was trying to get through to him, but Casper wasn't having any of it, scoffing, "Looks like you really care about her."

Aaron took a deep breath. No matter what he said, it seemed Casper wasn't going to listen. "Think whatever you want." He left, feeling defeated. Casper lit another cigarette, standing in a shadowy corner, puffing away. It was as if the weight of the world wouldn't lift the worry etched onto his face. Eliza got home around ten that night. Casper was lounging on the couch in the living room. She paused when she saw him.

"You're back so late." He straightened up, "Were you out on a date?"

"These are just my usual work hours."

"Met with Aaron?" His tone was icy.

Eliza saw no point in hiding it, "Yes, I did run into him."

"It seems like you two have been up to no good." He snorted coldly.

Eliza was already used to his sarcasm, and didn't bother to explain. She stood by the door for a moment longer. Casper said nothing more, making her uncomfortable as she changed her shoes. "I'm going upstairs."

Nova was wheeled out of the elevator by a maid. She greeted Casper's cold demeanor with a smile, "Casper, take me out for a bit, will you?"

"Have Marian take you. I'm tired."

A warm smile met a cold shoulder. Nova was displeased inside but kept her composure, "Then you should rest early. A glass of milk before bed can calm your nerves."

Marian took over the wheelchair. "Ms. Nova, I'll take you out."

"Forget it." Nova's expression turned dark, as she muttered under her breath, "Take me back to my room."

The maid and Marian exchanged a look, shaking their heads silently.

When Casper returned to his room, Eliza was still in the shower. He stood outside the bathroom, hesitating to knock several times, but each time, he lowered his hand, feeling defeated. 'Click.' The door opened from the inside.

Eliza tensed up, seeing Casper standing there. "What are you doing here?"

"I... have something to tell you." He looked slightly embarrassed.

She hummed softly, "Go ahead."

"There's a business banquet tomorrow. I need you to come with me."

Eliza was taken aback. Casper had never taken her to public events in their two years of marriage. He never saw her as presentable enough nor considered her a true Mrs Welton. For important events like this, he always took Nova or his secretary. Why the sudden change?

"I've never been to such an important event. I don't know the etiquette or the lingo. You should take Nova. She's prestigious and versatile, and everyone knows her. She won't embarrass you." He sneered, "You really can't be helped."

She accepted his criticism without a word. Let him think what he wanted. She didn't want to be known as the ex-Mrs. Welton struggling to make her way in Falconridge after the divorce. She lowered her gaze, determined to go through with the divorce. She just had to endure a bit longer.

Feeling his icy stare, Eliza turned her face away, refusing to look at him. After drying her hair, she had barely lain down when Casper pressed down on her. She didn't resist,

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knowing it was pointless. She closed her eyes, letting him do as he Wished.

"Is being with me that unbearable?" He pinched her chin, biting it lightly. "Eliza, look at me."