His Destructive, Toxic Love

"No worries, we can start over," Carlos said, extending his right hand.

Casper glanced at the outstretched hand and then quickly pulled back. "No need," he replied.

Carlos was taken aback. Hearing the so-called mute speak was a surprise. His eyes lit up with a mix of shock and curiosity, locking onto Casper's handsome face. This guy seemed not just capable of talking now, but his whole demeanor had shifted. "You can talk? Have you... come to your senses, too?" Carlos asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Casper's brows knitted together. When had he ever been unable to speak? When had he ever become mentally challenged?

Carlos felt a surge of luck. "What's your name?" he inquired, stepping closer to Casper.

But Casper's wary eyes only grew more defensive. He backed away, "Do you need something?"

"Maybe we could be friends," Carlos suggested, trying to sound genuine.

"I'm not interested in making friends," Casper retorted, slamming the door in Carlos' face.

Carlos touched his slightly bruised nose, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain. There was something oddly thrilling about this encounter.

Casper returned to the balcony, his mind a jumble of lost memories. He didn't recognize Eliza or Brock. He had no clue how he ended up here, how long he'd been around, or why he was in a hospital.

Since waking up in the hospital, he had been trying to piece everything together, but the memories evaded him. His life was now filled with strangers-some kind, some malicious, and some with hidden agendas.

When Eliza and Brock got home that evening, they found the front door ajar and a crowd of people gathered around. Had they been burgled? Or was there a fire?

Eliza's heart pounded with a sense of dread. "Who are you all? What are you doing in my house?" she demanded.

A tall figure stepped forward from the crowd. Eliza's breath caught in her throat-it was Dillon.

What was he doing here?

"Ms. Valerie, I'm here to take Mr. Casper," Dillon said, his voice calm and polite.

Mr. Casper? Who told Dillon that Casper was here? Did that blow to the head bring back his memory? But Casper still looked at her and Brock like they were strangers. "How did you know...?" Eliza started.

"Mr. Casper called me himself,"

Dillon explained, his hands clasped in front of him, leaning slightly forward. His face barely contain his excitement. "Thank God, M Casper is alive. He asked me to invite you and Brock back to Falconridge."

Eliza was stunned. The news was too much to process at once. She gripped Brock's hand tighter, slowly making her way toward Casper, surrounded by black-suited figures. Her eyes were fixed on the familiar yet distant face.

"Mr. Casper?" she asked hesitantly.

He looked up, offering a small, polite smile. "Ms. Valerie, thank you for taking care of me. I need to return to Falconridge now. If you don't mind, you could come with me. I'd like to show my gratitude." ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

What was he saying? Gratitude? Did he not remember her at all?

He wasn't foolish anymore. His memory had returned, but not completely. Or maybe he had just forgotten the part of his life that involved her?

For some reason, her heart felt like a piece had been hollowed out. Maybe it was for the best. This way, there would be no lingering ties between them. She had once thought she would take care of him forever.