His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Siblings?

The word felt loaded with ambiguity.

"Half-brother and half-sister, Mr. Juan, you really know how to play the game," Casper sneered, his voice dripping with jealousy and envy.

It was clear.

He was a man; he got it.

Juan shook his head with a smirk, clearly enjoying Casper's irritation, and kept talking.

"We grew up together. I'm even a month older than her, so I guess that makes me the one who knows her best. But we haven't seen each other in years. I've heard bits and pieces about what she's gone through. Seems like you, her ex, really did a number on her." Casper's chopping suddenly halted.

He threw the knife down in frustration and glared at Juan.

"What are you trying to say?"

Juan drew out his words, taunting, "I mean, isn't it a bit late for you to be playing the good guy now? I heard you're engaged. Yet here you are, at Eliza's place, cooking soup. What are you trying to prove?" "You don't need to understand."

Casper picked up the kettle, filled it with water, and plugged it in, all with a calm that belied his inner turmoil.

Casper always kept a wary distance from that smug, playful man.

Juan seemed

watched Casper intently, a mischievous

with a brother who's not all there and a little boy in kindergarten. If someone messes with her, she has no one to turn

do you think people will back off just because of her

turning to Juan with annoyance, "What's your point?"

heard that on the day you and Eliza were supposed to finalize your divorce, the civil affairs office had a sudden power outage? Don't tell me that was your doing,

was teasing, a knowing look

Men understand these things.

power outage, right when it

want." Casper wasn't about to

smirk widened, taking it as

why get engaged to someone else? Mr. Casper, I really don't get you." "You

boiled, and Casper poured

ease, then

no sign of

no intention of engaging

believe him. "I'm saying, if you go through with this engagement

Casper fell silent.

long pause, he finally spoke, his