His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Nova gently tugged at Casper's sleeve and whispered, "Casper, don't argue with your sister. Today, we're laying Grandpa to rest. Let's keep the peace."

"Please, cut him some slack. He's just in a bad mood," Nova said, turning to Caroline with a pleading look.

"Who do you think you are? This is the Welton family business. Since when do outsiders get to butt in?"

Caroline was fuming. Who did Nova think she was, showing up at Jeffery's funeral?

Casper tried to keep his anger in check. "Why are you yelling at her?"

"Does she even belong here? Is she your wife? Casper, remember, you're married now. Grandpa hated Dad's affairs more than anything, and here you are, following in his footsteps. How dare you bring this woman to Grandpa's funeral? Are you trying to upset him even in death? What's wrong with you?"

Caroline's fingers shook as she pointed at Nova, her eyes blazing. "You've got some nerve, showing up at a Welton family funeral. Get out, now!"

Nova was too scared to respond, her face turning red as she blinked back tears. "I just wanted to pay my respects to Grandpa. I meant no harm."

"Plenty of people wanted to pay their respects. Who do you think you are?" Caroline's anger was palpable. "Nova, I won't argue with you today. Just disappear from my sight." Nova's tears began to fall.

Casper looked at Nova, his lips tightly set, his voice gentle. "Go wait for me in the car."

"Okay."

Nova's seemingly hurt demeanor made Caroline feel sick. Did all men fall for this act? Her father did, and now her brother too? The men of the Welton family were all fools.

could you fall for this manipulator? How does she even compare to Eliza? You must

outburst, Caroline didn't give Casper a chance to respond and went

their own matters to

"Alright."

The rain intensified.

in front of the sanctuary inside the family

to watch any longer. One of them approached

this rain is

Kneeling here could make

Ewe w koet

one's around now. don't you

okay. I must kneel

deathly pale, almost devoid of color,

Casper might not return today, and even if he does, he won't know how long you've knelt. If

didn't want Casper to take his anger out

on and

her head and

sound of a

to

of them slowly

the sanctuary.