His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Eliza used to be someone who embraced life to the fullest, finding joy in gardening and caring for animals. But Casper wasn't a fan of flowers, dogs, or cats. There was a time she brought home a stray cat, and when he found out, he flung it from the second floor. She was terrified, but luckily, the cat landed on soft grass and survived. From then on, she never had the courage to let any pets into the house again. As they chatted, Marian had already led Eliza to the living room.

"Ma'am, should I take your luggage to the master bedroom?"

"Just leave it here for now, Marian," she replied softly.

Marian quickly caught on; Eliza wasn't the only woman in the house anymore-there was Nova, too. This was something they'd have to bring up when Casper got back.

"Please have a seat then. I'll go slice some fruit for you."

"That's not necessary, Marian."

"It's no trouble at all. Please wait."

Marian headed to the kitchen to busy herself. Eliza glanced around the familiar yet alien house, feeling deeply fatigued.

sound of a car approaching reached her ears. She

lifted Nova out of the car.

you, Casper, for taking such good care of me on the way

much, but

"Marian," Nova called out.

brought out the fruit, set down

to be hung, and the shoes arranged

in each hand as she went inside. Nova, chatting and laughing,

passed, she quickly offered a warm smile. "Casper said you'd be here to take care of me. I didn't believe him, and I was wondering how you could

really, I can take care of myself. There's no need to trouble Eliza," she said, her eyes shining with feigned sincerity as she

She can handle it," he responded coldly,

as tears of sorrow and

her feet and said, "I'm really tired, Casper. I'd like to soak my feet. Is that okay?" Casper

up, meeting his eyes squarely. Shock, disbelief, unwillingness, and