His Destructive, Toxic Love

He dialed the number and handed the phone to Brock, stepping aside as the video call connected.

"Brock, what's up?" Eliza's gentle voice came through the phone.

Brock glanced at Casper, his childish voice filling the room, "Mom, the lady earlier was just a guest, not Mr. Casper's fiancée."

Eliza paused, wondering how to explain. She smiled softly, "Oh really? Was she playing with my little treasure?"

"Yeah, Susan was super nice, playing games with me," the little guy hugged the phone, chatting away with Eliza.

Taking the opportunity, Casper went to take a shower.

When the phone's camera revealed a man wrapped in just a towel, Eliza's heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She quickly covered her mouth, trying to calm her racing heart, and managed to end the call in a soft tone: "Sweetie, it's late, time to go to bed. Go find Grandma Audrey, mommy needs to rest too."

"Okay, mom," the little guy obediently nodded, then handed the phone back to Casper, who was standing nearby.

Casper took the phone, the video call still active. His collarbone was the first to appear on the screen, exceptionally clear under the screen's glow, its contours perfect. Then, as the camera moved, his chest muscles and the faint hint of abs as he bent forward were revealed, adding a touch of intimacy to the atmosphere.

Eliza didn't know where to look, feeling embarrassed and a bit shy.

"Hey," Casper greeted Eliza through the camera, "Brock wanted to video call you, so I let him use my phone."

"It's nothing, thank you," Eliza's eyes wandered, trying not to stare.

The man casually smiled, "If you need to talk to Brock, you can call my phone."

"Uh..." she didn't respond to his statement, thinking of hanging up quickly, "...you should rest early too."

"Mhm, good night."

The phone screen went dark.

Eliza finally exhaled deeply. From Casper's appearance, he probably shared his bed with that Susan? After all, it was an arranged engagement, set by Jeffrey before he passed. Without a doubt, they would probably get married soon. Suddenly, she felt a pang in her heart. The feeling didn't last long, and soon she let it go.

Since she couldn't tread the same path with him again, who he was with had nothing to do with her. He was still young, and because of one woman's rejection, he might stay single for a while, but certainly note for a lifetime. Men, after all, dislike loneliness. Especially a man

Casper, wealthy, handsan lid

well-built. Even men liked his type; how could women not fancy such a good-looking guy? Even without this Susan, there would be a Jane Susan, an Emily Susan, a Sarah Susan. In any case... there would always be women by his side. And that woman would never, could ever, be her.

A few days later...

Chelsea brought a ticket for a cruise masquerade ball to Eliza. Probably only she knew how gloomy Eliza had been lately.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

"A masquerade ball, where everyone can hide their true selves, dance freely, sing joyfully. I think you need to relax a bit."

Eliza wasn't so introverted in college.

But being suppressed for too long makes one unwilling to open up. Her personality had become more reserved. Losing interest in fun and games: "Forget it."

"Come on, I finally got two tickets, just consider it joining me for a wild time." Chelsea hugged Eliza's arm, swaying, "Please, please?"