His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper sauntered over. Eliza slipped out of bed, grabbed her bathrobe, and headed into the bathroom.

"Hey, Eliza, why'd you bring Casper along for work? That guy, if he spots you with some young stud, he'll flip, you know?"

"No offense, but with someone like Casper..."

The guy on the other end was still complaining when Casper snatched the phone.

"Someone like me, huh? What's that supposed to mean?"noveldrama

His voice was low, deep, and icy, sending a chill down Juan's spine through the phone.

What the heck is going on? Why's Casper answering?

"Hey there, Mr. Casper, long time no see! I was just telling Eliza we should grab a meal together

sometime. When are you free? My treat, just a little hospitality."

Juan's voice instantly turned slick and sweet, laced with a hint of insincerity and nervousness.

Casper chuckled, "Juan, your tone wasn't so friendly a moment ago."

"You must've misheard," Juan said, nervously rubbing his neck, "I was just saying, for a busy guy like you

to make time for Eliza's business trip, you're a top-notch husband, a real gem. Hats off to you."

"I hope, Juan, that wasn't just talk."

"No, no, absolutely not." Juan laughed awkwardly, "I won't keep you any longer. I'll hang up now."

After hearing the dial tone, Casper set Eliza's phone aside and headed into the kitchen.

The guest room's kitchen was compact but well-equipped-gas stove, fridge, utensils, the whole shebang. The fridge had some basic stuff like bread and sausages, the usual quick bites. But he knew Eliza wasn't a fan of that.

So, he dashed to a nearby supermarket, picked up some groceries, and returned to the hotel, all set to whip up something tasty for her.

He used to be the kind of guy who wouldn't lift a finger in the kitchen. But now, he was diving into recipes to make her meals special.

He started prepping the fresh beef expertly, marinating it just right. By the time Eliza emerged from her shower, she was drying her hair, barefoot, and heading into the kitchen.

She wore a silk robe she got in Falconridge, with only a slip underneath. It just barely covered her hips. Her long, slender legs looked like they were glowing.

"What are you up to? How did you end up covered in flour?"

Eliza tiptoed over to Casper, as

curious as a kitten. He lifted her onto the counter, his flour-dusted fingers lightly tapping her nose, "Why can't you get into the habit of wearing shoes? The floor's chilly, isn't it?"

He leaned in, his words might've sounded like a scolding, but his eyes were full of warmth.

Eliza loved it when he spoke to her gently. Her small hands wrapped around his neck, "Mr. Casper, what delicious treat are you making for me tonight?"

"How about beef noodles?"

"Sounds perfect." After that soothing bath, she felt less exhausted, "Let me help you."

"Don't you need a break?" His large hand softly brushed her cheek, "You've been working nonstop. I worry about you."

"Stop being such a charmer."

Just as Eliza was about to hop off the counter, Casper held her back, "Hang on, I'll grab you some slippers."

He thoughtfully put slippers on her before gently helping her down.

"Casper, could you get me some water?" Eliza stirred the flour in the glass bowl, "For noodles to taste great, it's all about kneading the dough right."

"Sure thing, darling."

After handing her the water, Casper

stood behind her, hands braced on the counter, enveloping her in a warm embrace. Eliza busied herself in front while his chin rested comfortably on her shoulder staying close.