His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Relationships between men and women don't have to be one-dimensional; we can definitely be great friends. If you ever need help, I'm here for you." "Thank you," she replied, unsure of what else to say.

Manuel took the rejection gracefully, without any hint of awkwardness.

He got up, smiling as he said goodbye, "You must be exhausted. I'll head out now. Let's grab a meal sometime soon, and feel free to invite the baby's father." "Alright."

She walked him out, watching as he left, a sigh slipping from her lips.

As she turned to go back upstairs, she noticed Casper standing by the car.

He... hadn't left yet?

She paused, looking at him, "Why are you still here?"

"I saw him go upstairs," he replied, flicking a half-smoked cigarette to the ground and gently crushing it underfoot.

Eliza frowned slightly, "So what?"

Deep down, she hoped Casper wouldn't get jealous over nothing.

That would only snuff out the little spark they had just started to rekindle. If things soured, all their talk about starting fresh would become meaningless.

She gazed at him, instinctively stepping back as he moved closer.

"What are you afraid of?" His tall frame naturally cast her in his shadow, but his expression wasn't as serious as usual; it seemed to carry a hint of a smile. "Afraid I'll blow up? Get jealous? Say something you'll find unpleasant?" Eliza met his eyes.

It was hard to discern if the smile in his eyes was genuine or just a tactic.

"If you really don't get mad over nothing, I'd say you've grown."

He didn't know whether to laugh or bow in appreciation.

Either way, she was complimenting him.

"Thank you for the praise, ma'am. I'll keep working on being a husband who doesn't lose his cool over small stuff-someone who's reasonable and calm."

Casper's tone was earnest and sincere.

Eliza found his words a bit sarcastic, but chose not to comment.

"You should head back. Driving for hours must've worn you out."

"Yeah, I'm a bit wiped. My hands are kind of numb, can't drive anymore. If push comes to shove, I'll just crash in the car tonight." He looked resigned yet easygoing.

Eliza: ...

She couldn't be bothered to call him out, so she pulled out her phone, "I'll get you a driver."

"No need for that." He took her phone and tucked it back into her pocket. "Or, you could let me stay over tonight, and I'll be out at dawn."

His eyes sparkled with hope.

Eliza knew Casper's antics all too well.

She could have flatly refused.

But before she could speak, Casper added, with a touch of vulnerability and plea in his voice, "I just want to spend more time with you, is that okay?"

His voice had a tender note; he really knew how to tug at her heartstrings.

Eliza relented.

Since they had decided to start over, there was no need to push him away, "Alright... come upstairs with me." "Thanks, darling."

Eliza felt a bit awkward with the endearment, "Casper, don't call me 'darling.' We're not there yet." "Okay, darling."

Eliza: ...

Casper entered Eliza's place as if he owned it.

"Are you hungry? I can whip up

some pasta," he offered, rolling up his sleeves and heading to the

kitchen. He couldn't resist taket

jab at Manuel, "That Mr. Shaw,

showing up empty-handed every time. Not even a carton of milk or a bunch of bananas. Tight-fisted."

Eliza just shook her head...