His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon couldn't wrap his head around how Eliza could say something so heartless.

"Isn't guilt a form of love too? Without love, where does guilt even come from? Why can't she just accept that Casper loves her?"

"Do you really think treating him like this is the right thing to do? Something you won't ever regret?" Dillon knew he was treading on thin ice, but he couldn't hold back anymore. "Every time he risked his life to save you, do you think Mr. Casper was sure he'd make it out alive? Doesn't each act of self-sacrifice cancel out some of the resentment and hurt?"

"I have to ask, what do you think love is? If risking your life isn't love, what is it? Ms. Eliza, I get that you've been through a lot, but Mr. Casper's sacrifices for you are clear as day to me too."

"You can't live your whole life with hatred and misunderstandings, Ms. Eliza. Giving someone a chance is also giving yourself a chance. I'm not saying you should patch things up with Mr. Casper, but if you end things, don't leave it messy."

That was all he could say. Any more, and Eliza would probably tune him out.

Eliza didn't say anything, but her expression softened a bit.

"Ms. Eliza, Mr. Casper is staying at his place in Oak Falls. You know the address. He's been having trouble sleeping lately. If you and Mr. Manuel have any energy left after dinner... I think Mr. Casper will be waiting for you."

Eliza slowly lifted her eyes to meet Dillon's gaze.

Dillon gave a slight bow and left, polite but distant.

She couldn't deny that some of his words had struck a chord with her. She didn't want to hate Casper; her hatred had faded when he saved her. Maybe they just hadn't figured out how to be together. Or maybe they weren't meant to be together at all, let alone in love. She sighed softly, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Manuel and Eliza had planned to meet at a hotpot restaurant. Staring at the bubbling broth, Eliza's mind drifted back to the winter of their first year of marriage. She had followed an online video to prepare the hotpot base, bought beef and other ingredients, and set up a big spread, hoping to share a warm meal with him.

She waited and waited. From

evening until midnight. Watching the

bubbling broth slowly dry up, her heart felt like it was breaking bit by bit

It was indeed a sad memory.

"Here, try this." Manuel handed her some food.

Eliza snapped back to reality and smiled, "I can do it myself."Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"This is my first time at this hotpot place. If you like it, we can bring the baby next time and have a proper introduction."

Manuel was so sincere it was hard to find any fault in him. Plus, he said "the baby" instead of "your child," which touched Eliza. She nodded, "Sure."

"Great, let's eat while it's hot." Manuel cooked for her, asking about the taste. "Do you have any plans this weekend?"

"I have to go back to Falconridge; the baby goes to preschool there," she said softly.

Manuel paused, surprised. "Really? Why in Falconridge? Isn't that inconvenient?"

"The preschools in Falconridge are a bit better than the ones in Oak Falls," she replied casually.

Manuel didn't press further, just nodded, "Yeah, makes sense."

Just then, a luxury car made a U-turn and passed in front of the hotpot restaurant where Eliza and Manuel were sitting. From their spot by the window, they seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, the atmosphere light and easy.

l.ne

The man in the car caught a glimpse of them, and a sharp pain shot through him. He closed his eyes,

pressing his hand against his forehead...