His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Chapter 535

Eliza hadn't shared her pregnancy news with anyone besides Casper's unseen spirit and the Welton family. After spending a couple of days at the old Welton mansion and taking Brock to preschool, she made her way back to Oak Falls.

Brock was too young to grasp what death meant, so she simply told him Casper had gone abroad and might not be back for a while. Back in Oak Falls, her days were a blur of monotony, her belly gradually growing. She was so slender that it barely showed, especially with her loose clothing concealing her pregnancy well.

By the time she hit five months, she decided to take an extended leave from her teaching job, figuring she'd think about work again after the baby was born. Moving back to Falconridge seemed like a smart move; it would save her from the weekly back-and-forth of dropping Brock off. So, she busied herself packing.

When the doorbell rang, she got up to answer it, surprised to see Manuel standing there. It had been ages since they'd last crossed paths. "Hey...what brings you here?"

His eyes traveled from her face to her maternity dress, which highlighted her youthful glow. "I heard...you took some time off."

"Yeah," she replied, inviting him in without hesitation. "I'm planning to head to Falconridge for a bit."

"You're...pregnant?" he asked, glancing again at her dress.

Eliza felt a slight wave of embarrassment but remained open. "Yes, it's Casper's child."

to hang in the air, tender yet tinged with sadness. Manuel looked at her with a mix of emotions. "Do

I'd rather not keep traveling back and forth. It's just easier." She offered a

nor could he ask her to change her plans. "When do you leave?" he asked, the question heavy in

easing a slight tension

started, hesitating. "I could come with

Manuel didn't owe her anything. "That's

pushing me away?" He looked a bit hurt, emotions flickering across

"}

he wanted. "Manuel, right now, I can't think about marriage again. I appreciate your kindness, but I

hotel you back."

offers kindness without expecting something in return. She knew what Manuel hoped for, but she couldn't give it

struggled to find the

He wasn't just

ve

hadn't expected. Their connection was brief, without a strong emotional tie. He didn't know the full story of her