His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Chapter 549

"Manuel..." Eliza stared at him, caught off guard by his sudden kindness, leaving her a bit flustered. "...all these things..."

"Let me in first; this stuff is really heavy," he said with a warm smile.

"Oh, of course, come on in." Eliza quickly stepped aside, holding the door open wider for Manuel. "Why did you... buy so much for me?" "You need these things. You're pretty far along now, and it's hard for you to get around. I want to help out where I can."

As a friend, his actions were top-notch-thoughtful and kind.

But Manuel wasn't like Juan.

His feelings were complex and subtle, making her feel both comforted and overwhelmed.

"Manuel, have a seat. We can sort through everything later." Eliza poured him a glass of water.

Manuel nodded, took the glass, and sat down. "I've come to Falconridge and plan to stay for a while. I want to be here to look after you."

Something stirred deep in Eliza's heart.

What did he mean by that?

really don't have to. You've got work; it's not necessary just for me..."

could finish, Manuel's soft voice cut in, "I want to take care of you, and I hope to do it well. To be honest, I really want us to have a

his intentions were crystal clear: he wanted

give him what

were filled with conflicting emotions. "Are you saying... you want... to

Manuel replied, unwavering

Eliza was taken aback.

was a quiet, reserved person, not one to openly express his emotions. Why now, out of the blue, would he bring this up?

her head around it,

you really are a

not just saying that. You genuinely are. If it were just Brock, my little one, and I

one on the way, and I don't want to marry you only to have you raise someone else's child. That wouldn't be fair to you, Manuel. You're truly

"Let's just stay friends."

thought she had made herself clear

wasn't

father has passed, and I can step into that role, love them. Wouldn't that

it

without

Eliza just felt