His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

"It's not something very valuable," he said.

"Really, Aaron, I appreciate the thought," she replied, feeling so awkward that she clasped her hands behind her back.

Aaron's face fell, his eyes losing some of their sparkle. "It won't be a burden; I picked the cheapest one. I don't need anything in return. Can't you just accept it?" He looked almost pitiful.

Eliza felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Was she being too cold? It was just a birthday gift, after all.

"Aaron, please don't be like this... I... I'll accept it, but promise me you won't get me anything next time."

She brought the box in front of her and looked at Aaron, who was still standing. "Aaron, please sit down."

A spark returned to Aaron's eyes. "Open it. I think girls like this kind of thing."

Girls? She was hardly a girl anymore.

Eliza pursed her lips and smiled. "Alright."

Inside was a music box. Made of crystal, completely transparent, with a small figure of a girl playing a harp at its center. The music playing was a famous harp piece.

It was indeed a surprise. Music boxes were common, but one with a harp-playing girl was truly rare.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.

genuinely liked it.

at all. It was quite easy," he said, fearing she might

I really

set down the music box and cut a slice of cake, handing it to Aaron. "Aaron, have some

"Thank you."

moment, Casper walked

found Eliza and Aaron sitting opposite each other. Eliza was offering Aaron cake, and he

slight smile also

seemed too tender, almost flirtatious. It was irritating, piercing through him, making him uncomfortable

Casper, that looks like your wife,"

expression darkened, and he scoffed, "Living the good

The scene before them was bound to lead to

Casper said,

rare smile on his face felt

it someone's birthday today?"

е

glanced at

Aaron. "I

in