His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Eliza found herself mulling over the possibility that she might soon get those divorce papers from Casper. The thought lifted her spirits a bit.

Feeling somewhat buoyed, Eliza headed down to the basement storage. Despite it being early winter, she dusted off her old mountain bike, itching to take it out for a spin. Marian, ever cautious, voiced her concerns. "Ma'am, Mr. Casper will be home soon. Aren't you on your period? Maybe you should ride another day."

"I'll just be out for a short ride," Eliza insisted, her longing to ride outweighing her better judgment.

Her mood brightened, but her body paid the price. Riding during her period and taking in all that cold air wasn't a great mix. By the time she got back, she felt awful. Marian, always the caretaker, handed her a heating pad and brewed some hot ginger tea with brown sugar.

When Casper arrived, Eliza was already dozing off. "Where's my wife?" he asked.

"Ma'am has a stomachache and went to bed," Marian answered honestly.

"What's causing her stomachache?"

"She's on her period and caught a chill," Marian said softly, fearing she might be blamed.

Casper didn't say much, but the room was cozily warm thanks to the high setting of the air conditioning. He walked over, gently touched Eliza's forehead, and woke her up.

Seeing her eyes flutter open, his expression softened. "Not feeling well?" His voice was so gentle it almost seemed unreal.

she just pushed herself up

said, slipping off his jacket, climbing under the covers with her, and pulling her close. His warm hand gently

inside

"It doesn't come often."

taken so many contraceptives, her periods had been irregular for a long

both fell silent for a

"Casper," she spoke softly.

responded with a

you give

his face darkened. "If you

Before Eliza could finish, Casper's phone rang. It was Faithe from the hospital, calling

hasn't gone down since her kidney transplant. Please come

voice wasn't loud, but

every word. So that was why she hadn't seen Nov@lately. Did

bed and started dressing, Eliza grabbed his arm.

"No."