His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

"No need. I just want to go home and rest for a bit. Plus, Brock's still at the neighbor's, and I'm worried about him," Eliza said.

Aaron grabbed his jacket and Eliza's purse, helping her up. "Alright."

Casper emerged from the bathroom, his dark eyes narrowing slightly, a subtle, almost invisible smile playing at the corners of his lips as he watched the two leave together.

Casper didn't leave Oak Falls. Sometimes, he'd find himself at the school where Eliza taught painting. He enjoyed standing outside the window, watching her teach the kids. She taught them how to sketch various flowers and plants, stroke by stroke. "Miss Valerie, is that handsome man outside your boyfriend?" a sharp-eyed little girl asked, pointing toward Casper.

Eliza glanced up and saw Casper giving her a casual wave. "I don't know him. Now, look here. This line is too heavy. You need to make it lighter here," she corrected the child, focusing on the task at hand.

"Got it, Miss Valerie," the kid replied, concentrating on her drawings.

Eliza sighed and stepped out of the classroom. Her expression turned icy as she approached Casper. "Mr. Casper, you're everywhere, aren't you?"

"Just here for business. Did I bother you?" he replied nonchalantly.

"Yes," she answered curtly.

words can sting," he remarked with a faint smile before turning and walking

brushed off

a significant amount to our school and paid a hefty fee

What's there

about?"

about the money; she was worried because Casper needed the tuition? He had clearly done it on

at home, and there's no one to look after my son. Maybe..." she began, searching

me, an old man, to go instead? What's this? Suddenly, money doesn't

crave money.

she struggled and had to enter

competitions out

She won

recognition. If she needed money, she could easily sell apainting. But she preferred a quiet,

too much attention.

had always been kind to her, and she didn't want to cause