His Destructive, Toxic Love

Aaron didn't deny it. He just nodded and said, "Yeah."

"Get out here."

Casper grabbed Aaron by the collar and dragged him out of the hospital room. They ended up on the rooftop. When Casper swung his fist, Aaron caught it mid-air. "You gonna give me a reason before throwing punches?"

His eyes were dark and intense. Casper's rage was almost unrecognizable now. "Do you like her?"

"So patching up her wounds means I like her?" Aaron couldn't wrap his head around Casper's twisted thinking. "Casper, it's called being decent. Her hand was messed up, and as her husband, wasn't it your job to look after her first?"

"Are you saying you took over my dutie as her husband?" Casper's jaw was clenched, veins popping on his forehead.

"I was just doing what any doctor would." Aaron realized talking to Casper was pointless. He turned to leave but paused. "If you love her, treat her right. If you don't, let her go."

Aaron didn't go back to the room. The Welton family had already picked up Jeffrey.

Audrey and Eliza walked out of the hospital, chatting at the entrance.

"Casper's not treating you well, is he?" Audrey asked.

Eliza couldn't find the words to answer.

Audrey sighed, "I've been in this family for thirty years. Tristan's had mistresses everywhere, with kids all over the place. I'd have left him ages ago if it weren't for Casper."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

She held Eliza's hand, giving it a gentle pat. "You're still young and without kids tying you down. If you ever want to leave, I won't stop you."

Eliza felt a wave of emotion. Tears welled up. "Thank you for understanding."

"I know it's hard to find happiness in a family like this unless you have a man who truly loves you." Audrey shook her head, resigned but hopeful for Eliza.

Eliza's young, beautiful face reminded Audrey of herself when she was younger and full of love for Tristan. But he never loved her back or stayed faithful. She endured, hoping for change that never came. Her hair turned grey over the years, and Tristan never changed his ways. Audrey had no more hope for herself, but Eliza still had a chance.

Casper walked over, his face dark. Seeing his mother, he softened a bit. "Mom, I'll have someone drive you home."

"No need, my driver's waiting." Audrey let go of Eliza's hand. "I'll head home now. Don't forget to change your dressings regularly."

"I know."

After Audrey left, Eliza turned to go, but Casper grabbed her shoulder. "Enjoying Aaron's care, were you?"

"What care?" She was puzzled.

"Your hand, didn't he treat it?"

"So what? He's a doctor, isn't that his job? You call that care?"

Eliza's lips curled in disdain. She pushed Casper away. "I've got work to do."

He stood there, feeling like something was being pulled from his chest. He quickly caught up to her. "Eliza, is this how you treat me?"

She looked at him calmly. "What kind of treatment are you expecting, Mr. Casper?"

"Did something happen between you and Aaron?"

She chuckled lightly, not even bothering to deny it, as if it didn't matter.