His Destructive, Toxic Love

Caleb found himself tongue-tied in front of this sharp-tongued woman. He shrugged helplessly, crossing his arms and letting his eyes wander to the bustling dance floor.

"My brother did some things he shouldn't have to her," Caleb sighed, resignation in his voice. "But... she shouldn't be here looking for men. What kind of place is this? Are there any decent guys here?"

"You're really sticking your nose where it doesn't belong," Chelsea shot back, a cold smirk curling her lips. She felt an urge to spit at him.

She turned away, clearly done with this meddlesome guy. Caleb glanced at her face, which was full of disdain and indifference. He looked away but couldn't help sneaking another glance.

This woman was not interested in engaging with him at all. Clearing his throat, he raised his voice a bit, "Regardless, she's still my ex-sister-in-law. Of course, I want her to find true happiness. That guy she's with looks shady. Shouldn't I be worried she might get deceived?"

Chelsea shut her eyes tightly, trying to tune out his annoying voice. This creepy guy, when would he stop?

"Even the shadiest guy is better than Casper," she muttered.

"That's not necessarily true. Look, let me give you an example. You know Aaron, right? He looks all gentle and polished, but he's a snake, stringing her along. You can't judge men by their looks alone, don't you think?" Chelsea scoffed, full of contempt. Eliza was done with Casper, yet Caleb was still overly concerned.

"Exactly," she said, her brows furrowing slightly, her gaze mocking. "If we're talking about deceptive looks, no one beats the Welton family. Casper aside, there's Zach, who looks like an angel but is filthy inside. And you... you look decent but are a total freak." Being called a freak again didn't faze Caleb. "Since you're so good at reading people, tell me, the guy dancing with Eliza, what's he really like?"

Chelsea glanced back at the dance

floor. The guy dancing with Eliza was Juan. Before Eliza and Nova switched places, he was their neighbor. They grew up together,

their bond deep and anate.

Had Casper not shown up, had there been no switch between her and Nova, marrying Juan might have been Eliza's best outcome. "He's a breath of fresh air, a brotherly figure, irreplaceable since childhood. If Elle ends up with him, it would still be the best outcome." Caleb: ...An old acquaintance?

"You know each other?"

"None of your business," Chelsea snapped, not wanting to elaborate.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Caleb understood. No wonder they seemed so familiar and warm. Aaron had almost tricked Eliza into falling for him. David, knowing her from an early age and using Carter's connection, almost trapped her in marriage.

If those guys weren't a threat to Casper, then what about the guy who grew up with Eliza, always protecting her? The competition was getting tougher. Caleb thought he should really talk to Casper and tell him to let go. If he chose to let go, he should move on completely. Out of sight, out of mind.

When Caleb returned upstairs, Casper was already somewhat drunk. Seeing the bottles of alcohol in front of him, Caleb frowned slightly and sighed. "My dear brother, why are you drinking so much?"

Casper looked up, his usually sharp eyes now blurry. He squinted hard, trying to see Caleb clearly, his tongue slightly slurred as he asked, "Who's that guy?"