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.

his smile and walked over quickly. "Honestly,

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

picking up some ramen

bit, then offered them to Casper. "You try it first. See if it

nodding, "Mmm, delicious. I guess my cooking's not

slowly and quietly, showing the kind of grace that only a

who lacked

loved going

never

manners and etiquette

st

expected there.

it, the more he realized that

at she was.

he had

awkwardly. "the day after tomorrow,

put down her

felt a pang

as straightforward as you

mind," she said, offering a gentle

her

those words felt like thorns, pricking him all

"Okay."

didn't say