His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

"Eliza's stomach growled. Is there anything ready to eat?" he asked, his usually stern face softening into a rare smile that left Marian momentarily stunned. "How about I whip up some ramen for Mrs. Eliza?" "I'll handle it," he said, glancing at Marian. "Let's make some ramen. Get the ingredients ready for me."

"Of course, sir."

With Marian's swift assistance, a steaming bowl of ramen was soon ready.

"Marian, go tell Eliza that dinner's ready," Casper instructed gently, his eyes brimming with warmth and anticipation.

"Right away, sir. I'll call her down."

Marian hadn't gotten far when she saw Eliza descending the stairs.

"Madam, your ramen is ready. Mr. Welton made it himself," Marian announced quietly.

"Alright."

Eliza glanced over.

Casper was walking out of the kitchen, carrying a steaming bowl of ramen. The aroma was enticing, filling the room with warmth.

Perhaps the bowl was too hot, because Casper gently pinched his earlobe as he set it down, looking oddly cute in the process.

Cute?

That didn't seem like a word that should describe him.

"Dinner isn't quite ready yet, so have some ramen to tide you over," he waved her over, his smile soft and indulgent.

returned his smile and walked over quickly. "Honestly, I could wait," she

eat. No need to wait," he insisted, handing her a pair of chopsticks.

sat down obediently, picking

them down a bit, then offered them

nodding, "Mmm, delicious. I guess my cooking's not too shabby." Eliza took a bite, her eyes twinkling as she gave Casper

quietly, showing the kind of grace that only a well-mannered

who lacked

going to

but never displayed

manners and etiquette

st

expected there.

more Casper thought about it, the

at she was.

he had

touching his nose awkwardly. "the day after

down her

a pang

as straightforward

don't mind," she said, offering a gentle

her understanding

like thorns, pricking him

"Okay."

say