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 fascinated

the kitchen doorframe, arms crossed, Juan watched Casper intently,

she's left with a brother who's not all there and a little boy in kindergarten. If someone messes with her,

into a mocking grin, "Mr. Casper, do you think people

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

supposed to finalize your divorce, the civil affairs office had a sudden power outage?

tone was teasing, a knowing look in his

Men understand these things.

when it mattered most? Who

you want." Casper

taking it

someone

and Casper poured it

cooking the pasta with practiced ease, then moved

showed no sign

no intention

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

Casper fell silent.

he finally spoke,