His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Casper, you're such a jerk."

Tears streamed down her face, a deep sense of injustice overwhelming her. Large drops splashed onto the back of his hand as she turned and bit him hard on the forearm.

Blood quickly mixed with her tears on his skin, blending into a sorrowful tableau reminiscent of a watercolor painting tinged with a dark, crimson hue. It looked grim and startling. He clenched his teeth and let her vent her frustration until she had no strength left. Only then did he look down at the blurred imprint of her teeth, asking, "How many times now, huh?" She didn't know how many times she had bitten him. She hated herself for not being able to bite him to death in one go.

He let her be for the moment, found some alcohol to disinfect the wound, and carelessly wrapped it with gauze.

Eliza silently got dressed. Ignoring Casper, she walked around the large bed and headed for the door.

He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going back to my studio apartment," she said coldly, like a snow lotus blooming in the midst of winter.

He didn't insist on keeping her. "I'll drive you."

She didn't refuse. Perhaps she was too exhausted.

She remained silent from when she got into the car until they reached their destination. After parking the car, she opened the door and stepped out. Throughout, she never once glanced at Casper. When Chelsea called, Eliza had just dragged her weary body out of the shower.

"I'm fine," she said, her tone light.

Chelsea could guess that Casper might have lost his temper again. "Where are you now?"

"I'm back at my studio apartment."

"Then get some rest early. I'll bring your birthday present over another day. Sleep well."

"Mhm."

Eliza didn't sleep well. Her brows were never relaxed.

Casper returned to Welton Estate and opened a bottle of red wine. Nova, who had been hiding upstairs, came down, leaning on a crutch.

She had heard the uproar when Casper brought Eliza back and lashed out at her. Eliza was the

subject of his fury, and Nova was et

pleased about it. She secretly

listened to his scolding, his shouts, and the intimate sounds from+

room. Jealousy turned Nova's eyes red.

"Casper, why are you drinking? It's bad for your health," she said gently, taking the wine glass from his fingertips. "Feeling upset?"

The alcohol seemed to cast a shallow red hue in Casper's eyes. Its scent made Nova's heart flutter.

She leaned closer to him, placing her hand on his chest. "How about I join you for a drink?"

In

Casper slightly lifted his eyelids, languid and seemingly indifferent. The living room lights cast shadows on his sharply defined face and chiseled jawline. Nova swallowed nervously. Her eyes were intense with unabashed desire.

"Casper..."

She moved to kiss him. Just as she was about to touch his face, he straightened up and dodged, picking up a glass of wine to drink instead.

Nova felt a bit awkward. "I heard you yelling at Eliza. Why? If things aren't working out, maybe... you should just part ways," she ventured cautiously again.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Casper's gaze darkened slightly, his lips curling into an enigmatic smile. Nova couldn't decipher his intentions. She felt a twinge of disappointment, realizing Casper had never intended to marry her. "You don't want to marry me, do you?"

He didn't answer. His fingertips played with the stem of the glass.

Nova's spirits plummeted, her face falling. "I know I'm not as beautiful as Eliza. Iknow I'm disabled, and you'd be embarrassed to be seen with me. I know I'm not perfect but Casper, I love you. I love you so much, and I want a future with you."