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.

seemed fascinated

watched Casper intently, a mischievous

tone, "With Eliza's father gone, she's left 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 to. Think about that..." "I'm here. Who would dare?" Casper's voice was sharp and

mocking grin, "Mr. Casper, do you think people will back off just because

"What's your point?" Juan let out a

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

was teasing, a knowing look

Men understand these things.

right when it mattered most?

Casper wasn't about to explain

taking it as

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

and Casper poured it

ease, then moved on to prepare

no

had no intention of

said, knowing Casper might not believe him. "I'm saying, if you go through with this engagement and the wedding, all you'll have with

Casper fell silent.

finally spoke, his