His Destructive, Toxic Love

Eliza forced a polite but distant smile. "No need, Mr. Casper. I appreciate the gesture, but you should head back to Falconridge. Safe travels." Casper nodded slightly, his gaze shifting meaningfully towards Dillon. "Dillon."

Dillon stepped forward, immediately understanding. "Mr. Casper, what do you need?"

"Give Ms. Valerie some money. She's taken care of me for so long, and being a single mom isn't easy."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Dillon was speechless. Had Mr. Casper really forgotten everything?

"No need, let's call it even," Eliza declined his offer and returned to her room with Brock.

Casper's brow furrowed as he stared at the door, confusion in his voice. "Did I know her before?"

"This..." Dillon hesitated, unsure if Casper genuinely couldn't remember. Was it temporary amnesia? Or was he pretending? Dillon didn't dare say more.

Surrounded by his entourage, Casper descended the stairs. As he was about to get into the car, he looked up at the second-floor window...

Brock was leaning on the windowsill, waving at him. Something caught in Casper's chest, making him feel inexplicably uncomfortable.

"Mr. Casper, please get in the car," Dillon urged.

Casper got into the car, watching Brock as they drove away. Brock's eyes filled with tears as he buried himself in Eliza's embrace. "Mom, does Mr. Casper not want us anymore?" "Mr. Casper... has his own life."

"Does that mean I'll never see Mr. Casper again?" The little guy was clearly struggling, tears brimming.

Eliza thought they probably wouldn't see each other again. He had lost his memory and forgotten everything about her. Their paths were not meant to cross again. She could continue to live in this small town with Brock, which was still the best outcome. Eliza saw her son's red eyes and gently touched his face. "Do you want to see Mr. Casper again?"

"I like Mr. Casper."

Eliza smiled, remembering how

Brock used to be terrified of Casper back in Falconridge. But after Casper had joined him for a race on school sports day, Brock had grown attached to him. Perhaps there was a natural bond between father and son that made it easy for Brock to accept Casper. But she couldn't give her child his father.

"Then you can make a wish, and maybe one day, you'll see Mr. Casper again."

"Really?" The little guy believed her, jumping up excitedly. "Then I'll make a wish now. I'll make a wish."

...

Life returned to its peaceful routine.

Three months later, one afternoon, Eliza received a call from David. Carter was seriously ill and hoped she could return to Falconridge to see him. Carter was Eliza's mentor and had been very kind to her, she had no reason to refuse. After arranging everything in Oak Falls, she returned to Falconridge.

David, looking somber and heavy-hearted, picked her up from the station.

"David, how is Mr. Carter..."

"My dad..." David's voice was choked with emotion, his eyes red. "...he might not have much time left."

"Mr. Carter was always in good health. How could he suddenly..."

David adjusted his glasses, trying to compose himself. "He had a stroke recently, and his heart was already weak..."

He suddenly turned to look at Eliza, pulling the car over to the side of the road.

"Eliza, my dad's biggest concern is that I'm still not married. I was hoping you could help me with something, could you?"

Eliza wasn't sure how she could

help, but she had an inkling of

what

sas suggesting. "David t

David Mr.

we...

won't believe it."

"You know, my dad and Amaya have always liked you, and I know you've been single for these past few years. I..."