His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Casper had just driven away from Welton Estate when Eliza sprang out of bed. She was still in her pajamas, watching the tail lights fade, feeling a strange burst of excitement. She quickly dressed in a white sweater, washed denim jeans, sneakers, and a fitted-down

jacket. She even wore the pearl earrings Casper had given her.

Eliza made herself look like she was heading out for a morning jog and went downstairs. "Ma'am, you're up early. I'll get breakfast ready right away," Marian said respectfully.

Eliza stretched and gave an exaggerated yawn. "I'm going for a quick run first."

"Ma'am, it's freezing outside. Are you sure?"

"Exercise keeps me healthy," Eliza said, bouncing on the spot a couple of times before jogging out of Welton Estate.

By nine in the morning, Falconridge was buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated engagement party commenced. Nova, dressed in a haute couture gown and wearing a tiara, soaked in the envy and well-wishes from everyone around her.

all out, framing the grand event as Casper's triumphant fresh start after his divorce, with headlines and stories that were both sensational and exaggerated. Amidst all the engagement coverage, a grim news report of a car accident slipped

trucks, ambulances, and a body covered by a white sheet. Dillon was lounging on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone, when the news of the accident caught his eye.

today. A woman in her twenties was struck by an out-of-control vehicle while she was on a morning run and died on

in a car

sort of twisted joke, right? Shaking, he called the TV station to verify. They confirmed that she had died on the scene and had

They advised prompt action to handle

engagement party, frantically searching for Casper. "Mr.

shook with urgency, struggling to get

out

QUMS

in the usually composed Dillon, a wave of dread

to stay composed. "It's Eliza. She's