His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Eliza looked him straight in the eye, unwavering. "Let's just pretend we never met. That Eliza is gone. Let's go our separate ways and wish each other well."

Wish each other well? He felt a knot tighten in his chest.

"So, you're planning to marry Aaron?"

"Is that any of your concern?"

"No, I guess not." He couldn't help but warn her, "Aaron's not exactly a stand-up guy. If you really want a fresh start, maybe you should find someone more... ordinary."

At least her life would be a bit less complicated.

"I don't need you worrying about me."

Eliza had no lingering feelings for Casper. That bubble called hope had burst completely.

After wandering around town all day, Eliza finally returned to the hotel. Her mind felt tangled with a mess of thoughts, heavy and suffocating. She called the front desk and ordered two bottles of red wine. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she needed something to wash away her sorrows.

Casper, just getting back to the hotel himself, bumped into the waiter delivering the wine.

"Sorry, sir, I didn't see you there. I hope I didn't hurt you," the waiter apologized, looking genuinely regretful.

Casper stepped back, waving it off. "No worries."

asked, "Does the hotel

the lady in room 1701. She ordered two

Room 1701?

next to his. Was she planning to drink her

for him

back," Dillon greeted him with a touch of

Casper mind

a slight nod,

those two

Dillon noticed his distraction

cleared his throat. "Mr. Casper, I have

back to attention.

investigation, Aaron was in Crescent Creek before we arrived. I think our previous suspicions

in response, not showing

should tell

it off. "She

you what?" Dillon asked,

to part ways and leave each

a loss for words. When did Mr. Casper become so compliant? "So,