His Destructive, Toxic Love

Jonah's words jolted him back to reality. He turned his head to see Eliza sprawled across the table, fast asleep. With a sharp flick of his fingers, he signaled Nate furiously.

Eliza was hammered, completely out of it. Even after Casper got her into the car, she kept muttering nonsense. "I can drink more, just one more glass," she slurred, smacking her lips.

Casper's expression was icy. There she was, nestled in his arms, all soft and delicate, making it nearly impossible for him to stay mad. His large hand landed on her tousled hair, revealing a shocking scar he'd caused.

A mix of emotions swirled within him as he gazed at Eliza, his eyes dark and complicated. Two years of marriage, and she'd always been so compliant. Even with the rumors about him and Nova flying around, her gaze towards him remained filled with love and tolerance.

A wave of frustration washed over him. He pinned her down, pressing his lips to hers. Suddenly, she stirred, struggling to open her eyes, and pushed him away weakly.

"Stop," he commanded, holding her in place.

"Casper, don't... don't touch me." Her stomach churned, and with that, she vomited all over him. The stench of alcohol filled the car.

Disgusted, he dragged her out of the car, stripping off his vomit-stained jacket. "If you can't handle your liquor, don't drink so much. Didn't you notice that creep groping you?"

"Making money is tough, and life is harder for someone like me. As long as I can make some cash, I don't mind being taken advantage of." She hugged her knees, her tone a mix of self-mockery and resignation.

She retched again, her stomach turning inside out. Casper, seething, grabbed a bottle of water and forced her to drink. Halfway through, he poured the rest over her head.

"Get a grip."

Her hair was drenched, and the autumn breeze sent chills, raising goosebumps on her skin. "How are you any different from them?" she muttered, staggering to her feet to flag down a taxi.

A car stopped, but the driver sped off when he saw Casper's menacing glare.

"Hey, don't go!" Eliza called out, giving up after a few steps and trying for another taxi. But none would stop.

Casper grabbed her collar and dragged her back to the car. "Stay put."

"Don't touch me," she recoiled, distancing herself as if he were something filthy. "I want to go home," she murmured, slumping onto the steps.

Just then, Casper's phone rang. It was Nova. "Casper, I have a fever, and I feel awful."

"Isn't Marian taking care of you?" he snapped, loosening his collar. "If it's bad, call 911."

"You're tired of me, aren't you? I'm sorry, I won't bother you anymore. I'll just go back to my lonely home with no family. I'll leave..."

Her soft sobs on the other end grated on his nerves. Glancing at Eliza on the steps, he tried to curb his irritation. "Get Marian to give you some medicine. I'll be back soon." "Okay," came the meek reply.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Casper hung up, nudged Eliza with his foot, and sighed, "Come on, let's go."