His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Chapter 317

Six months later.

In Oak Falls, Eliza was back at her old school, picking up where she left off. After everything she'd been through, she found solace in this calm and warm life.

Her older colleagues had made it their mission to set her up on dates. Every time, she declined with a polite smile. Marriage wasn't something she felt she needed. "Ms. Valerie, there's a new teacher around your age. He's quite the looker. You should go for it," one colleague nudged.

"Yeah, Ms. Valerie, you're stunning, and honestly, no one would guess you've had a child. Don't let this rare catch slip through your fingers," another chimed in. "Ms. Valerie, you can't stay in one place forever. Sometimes, you just have to take a step forward..."

Her colleagues' voices overlapped with suggestions and encouragements. Eliza smiled politely, though she felt a bit awkward.

All she knew about the new teacher was his name, Carlos. She hadn't met him yet, but she heard he just graduated from a renowned art academy overseas and was here on an internship. He wouldn't be around for long. Not that it mattered to her anyway.

With textbooks in hand, Eliza smiled and backed out of the office. She hadn't gone far when she accidentally bumped into someone. "Sorry, my bad."

a young, handsome face, the kind that seemed sweet and disarming. Though he seemed friendly, Eliza knew better than to judge by appearances. She often struggled to read people accurately and opted not to comment. "Are you Ms. Valerie? I've heard about you from the Art

with the usual pleasantries, yet it was the first time someone had

smile. "Sure, why

competition coming

kept up with

Previous competitions had brought her a lot of attention and boosted her painting prices. She didn't want too much

rarely entered contestsnet

"No," she replied honestly.

was oddly accusatory, as if not participating was a huge

expression cooled. "What? Is

an embarrassed smile. "Don't get me wrong. I

a class to

first impression of him was not good. She sensed a subtle domineering streak she didn't like. Looking harmless and actually being harmless were

Eliza of Zach-a wolf