His Destructive, Toxic Love

Just as she stepped through the front gate, his car screeched to a halt.

She froze, startled, before quickly picking up her pace. Casper caught up in no time, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her inside. She was moving too slowly for him, and he simply swept her off her feet and carried her in.

His possessiveness never came with any prelude. It was more like an outlet-a release of anger or maybe lust. Her ordeal only seemed to end when his heavy breathing brushed past her ear.

He went for a shower, leaned against the headboard, and smoked a cigarette. Eliza limped towards the bathroom.

He glanced over. "What's wrong with your foot?"

"Nothing," she muttered, not wanting to elaborate.

He frowned. "Come here, let me see."

"It's okay. I'm going to take a shower."

He stubbed out his cigarette, got out of bed, and lifted her from behind, placing her on the bed. Her foot was covered in blisters.

"What happened?" he asked, surprised.

"My shoes got worn out."

"Go take a shower. After that, I'll take care of it," he said, patting her back with an unusual gentleness. But she knew it was just the afterglow of his release, not real tenderness. His gentleness was never really for her.

Eliza dawdled in the shower, knowing Casper wasn't one to wait for her to sleep. She thought he'd already gone to bed, but he hadn't. He patted the space beside him, "Come here."

Normally compliant, Eliza wasn't about to provoke him after today's wild ride.

"I can do it myself."

"Let me," he said, his voice clearer than ever. She couldn't help but look at him. His large hand gently held her foot, and with a sterilized silver needle, he lightly pricked, causing blood to seep out. Eliza hissed in pain. After disinfecting with alcohol, he continued, "Hold still."

This kind of intimate care, something she wasn't used to, made her uncomfortable.

"In a few days, it's Grandpa's big birthday," he said.

"Oh."

"Grandpa's health..." He hesitated, not looking up. "...is really poor now."

She knew what that meant: it was time for her to prepare for a blood donation. Reflexively, she tried to pull her foot back, but he held it firmly. "What are you scared of?"

"Casper, can you wait until my mom gets better and until Robin is out of the hospital before you take my blood?"

Under the light, her gaze was

humble and broken. He couldn't help

but look at her. Though he didn't say anything she knew he probably wouldn't agree. He patiently took care of the blisters on her fogt. Eliza

hugged her knees, feelin Oot. Eliza

QUA

melancholy. Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Just as she lay down, he was already pressing down on her again, his kisses overwhelming. She could only passively accept.

Suddenly, the phone rang on the table. Casper propped himself up, still panting, and reached for the phone.

"Hello?"

"Casper, your grandpa might not make it much longer. You need to bring Eliza to the hospital right away; there is no time to delay." Tristan's voice was urgent. Casper could hear the desperation. Hanging up, he got out of bed. "Hurry and get dressed; we're going to the hospital."

Eliza didn't want to go at all. Was there really no escape this time?