His Destructive, Toxic Love

Early morning.

Eliza woke up snuggled in his arms. As she stretched and turned over, his large hand instinctively found its way back to her waist.

"Awake?" His voice was deep and carried that lazy morning charm.

Eliza murmured, "I'm going to check on the baby."

"I've already had the nanny feed the baby. Stay with me a bit longer." His chin, rough with stubble, brushed gently against her smooth shoulder. "Or, maybe we should think about having a third child?" "Yeah, right," she said with a playful roll of her eyes.

She tried to push him away, but he just pulled her closer, flipping her over effortlessly. "Elle, I never actually meant to stop you from having kids, it was just that..."

He wanted to explain all the foolish things he'd done in the past. But every time he tried, fear held him back. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid of opening old wounds.

Now, with their hearts in sync, if she wanted an explanation, he was ready to give it.

"What is it?" she asked. She didn't want to keep revisiting the past; it felt like trapping themselves in a loop of memories. "Casper, let bygones be bygones. I'm more interested in how you'll act from here on."

"I promise, I'll be the best husband and father. I'll do right by you and the kids."

They'd been through the wringer together-from love to hate and back again. He'd worked hard to make things right, and finally, the storm had passed.

"You have no idea how much I love you," he said.

She felt his love, sure. But how deep it ran? Only time and his actions would reveal that.

"Don't call me 'wife' just yet; I haven't agreed to remarry you," she teased, knowing full well he'd probably already switched their divorce papers back to a marriage certificate. "Getting me to remarry isn't as easy as swapping a piece of paper, Casper." "I know there's a lot I've got to do. But trust me, this time, I'll make you fall for me all over again."

Eliza laughed, "Don't get too cocky; I'm not that easy to win over."

"Then I'll just have to try harder," he grinned.

"We'll see how much effort you put in." She raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

He took her small hand, placing it over his heart, "This much effort, enough for you?"

"Casper," she blushed, cheeks reddening, "have you no shame?"

"How can I win my wife back with shame?" he chuckled, leaning in to steal a kiss.

Sunlight peeked through the curtains, lighting up their entwined bodies their eyes reflecting the love and desire burning brightly in the morning glow.

A week later.

Casper headed off to Country H for treatment, with everything arranged by Caleb. Dillon brought Eliza and the baby back to Falconridge.

On their way to Welton Estate, Dillon took a detour to the civil affairs office, handing Eliza a fresh marriage certificate.

"This... is for you."

Eliza eyed the certificate, still fresh

with the scent of ink, and her expression darkened. "Your Mr Casper sure knows how to handle things-marriage, divorce, al with a single phone call."

"Isn't it all because he loves you?" Dillon replied, trying to defend Casper without overstepping.

Eliza scoffed, grabbing the certificate. "You sure know how to cover for him."

Dillon chuckled nervously, "Let me get you settled at Welton Estate first. Mr. Casper's instructions were to make sure you're comfortable there. The place is fully staffed so just say the word if you need anything."

"Could you get my sister to come over? I need to talk to her," Eliza requested. Dillon blinked in surprise, stumbling over his words, "You mean, Ms. Caroline?" "Why so jittery?" Eliza asked, giving him a curious look. "Who else would I mean?" "Yes, of course."