His Destructive, Toxic Love

"This is my wife, and also the patient Robin's older sister, Eliza." Dr. Peels had just settled into his chair when he stood up again, extending a polite handshake to Eliza. "Mrs. Welton, you look so young and full of grace. With such beauty and positivity around, I'm sure

Robin's condition will improve. Mr. Casper is truly a lucky man." Eliza responded with a courteous smile.

Once the pleasantries were exchanged, everyone found their seats. Casper was deep in conversation with Dr. Peels about Robin's condition, but Eliza couldn't help noticing Dr. Peels' fondness for a drink. He wasn't just enjoying a drink himself; he was dragging Casper Initially, Casper held his own. But bit by bit, Eliza saw him falter; his cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, and his movements and words started to falter. She wanted to step in, but Dr. Peels was in such high spirits that she couldn't get a word in. Every time she tried to speak, the clinking of glasses drowned her out as yet another round was poured.

along for round after round.

The liquor, though top-notch, was strong - over fifty percent proof. It wasn't long before a few bottles were emptied. "Mr. Casper, you can really hold your liquor! In all my fifty years, I've yet to meet someone who can keep up with me drink for drink. I truly admire young folks like you," Dr. Peels declared before downing another glass.

He savored the taste, unable to resist praising the drink, "Back home, we'd reach for a good bourbon, smooth and rich. You've got to have a few glasses to really savor it." When he noticed Casper not drinking, he urged, "Come on, Mr. Casper, finish your drink. Don't make me look bad."

"Maybe I should drink for him?" Eliza suggested as she reached for Casper's glass, but he gently held her wrist, "Don't drink, you're driving." He twisted open a water bottle, downed half of it, and then picked up the glass to finish it off.

Dr. Peels was delighted. "Mr. Casper, what a champ! It's been a real pleasure today. Let's have another!"

Eliza thought to herself: Seriously, is Dr. Peels a bit of a lush? How can a doctor drink like this without worrying about his hands shaking in surgery?

"You hanging in there?" Eliza softly tapped Casper's arm. He was quite drunk, his eyes heavy, but he still managed a reassuring smile, "I'm okay."

Glancing around the table, everyone who drank with Dr. Peels was either passed out of had stumbled outside to be sick. The director of the rehab center, who was allergic to alcoho stepped in to smooth things over; "Dr. Reels, you've got quite the tolerance, but Mr. Casper and his wife are trying for a baby. Perhaps we should call it a night, and after Robin's surgery, we can have a proper celebration. What do you think?"

Though the baby planning was just a fib, Dr. Peels wasn't unreasonable. "Trying for a baby, huh? Then take it easy tonight; too much drinking isn't good." He wobbled over to Eliza and gave a deep bow, "Mrs. Welton, I didn't know you were planning for a baby. I got carried away drinking with Mr. Casper, apologies."

Eliza didn't quite know how to respond. She offered an awkward smile, more pained than anything.

"Director Sun, let's head back and let Mr. Casper rest. Tomorrow, we'll meet at the rehabilitation center for business," Dr. Peels finally put his glass down.

"I'll help you." Director Sun managed to escort Dr. Peels out.

Eliza quickly got up to see them to

the door, playing the good host.

Soon the room was empty, leaving t

only Casper sitting there, eyes closed, cheeks flushed, lost in

е

.n

drunken haze. It was the first time she'd seen him this far gone.

"Casper," she called softly.