His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

On the ride to the Welton family estate, Eliza's slender frame stayed pressed against the car door.

Casper tapped the seat next to him. "Scoot over a bit."

Her lashes, heavy with the mist of tears, lifted slowly as she looked at him, shaking her head. There was an inherent sense of vulnerability about her when she cried, especially in bed. He often found himself lost, utterly captivated by it.

He withdrew his lingering gaze from her face. "You should really drop that 'woe-is-me' look. Anyone who doesn't know us might think I've done something terrible to you."

"Have you not?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

Casper shot her a cold look, a sneer in his voice. "Are you calling what happens between us mistreatment? Or is it your attempt to kill me that's the real issue?"

Anything she resisted was labeled as mistreatment, whether in bed or out. Clearly, Casper didn't get it.

Eliza gently pressed her cheek against the car window, looking so alone and desolate. The car slowly rolled to a stop in front of the Welton estate.

Once out of the car, Casper extended his hand toward Eliza. She reflexively hid her hands behind her back. Noticing the slight change in Casper's expression, she then placed her hand in his. Her hand was cold. His was warm and dry. But it wasn't the warmth she needed.

courtyard, Eliza spotted Caroline

"Eliza."

smile that looked more painful

look at her

I

tilted her head to look at Eliza, clearly seeing she

want Caroline to focus all her attention on her.

dinner tonight." Caroline took

ahead, with Casper trailing behind, hands in his pockets. The streetlight cast a

Caroline,

Tristan was unusually at home, and Audrey was as expressionless as ever. Only Jeffrey seemed different from usual, even indulging in a small glass

because I'm back?" Caroline teased

his hand to pat Caroline's head. "With Casper and you here, I can rest easy about the

said, placing a piece of lobster meat into her grandfather's bowl. "Grandpa,