His Destructive, Toxic Love

Chelsea shot Casper a fierce glance before sliding into her car and slamming the door shut. David didn't bother to greet Casper. He just drove off quickly. Aaron wanted to say something to Casper but thought better of it, fearing it would be too much for him on this particular day. He decided against it and headed back to his car.

The cemetery was wrapped in a desolate quietness. Casper finished his cigarette, tossed it to the ground, and snuffed it out with his foot. The heap of cigarette butts scattered around him hinted at his inner turmoil.

Taking deliberate steps, he entered the cemetery. Eliza was kneeling in front of a tombstone, crying so hard that her shoulders trembled with the weight of her sorrow. For reasons he couldn't quite grasp, a pang of sympathy hit him.

"People can't come back to life, Eliza. Crying yourself sick won't change a thing," he said, trying to comfort her.

At the sound of his voice, Eliza's body jerked violently. She wiped the tears from her face, struggled to her feet, and turned around to slap him hard across the face. His head snapped to the side from the force. He adjusted his jaw, glaring at her with a menacing look. "Eliza, today is your mom's funeral. Don't push me to lose my temper."

"What right do you have to be here?" she screamed, her delicate face streaked with tears. "Casper, stop pretending. As long as the killer isn't caught, I believe you're the murderer. You don't deserve to be here."

"Who does, then? Aaron? David? Or that bastard?" he shot back.

He was her lawful husband. What did those other men mean to her?

"Anyone but you," she retorted, her eyes blazing with tears.

His breath came out in angry huffs, but he hadn't yet lost control. "Fine, I'm the worst. But after today, you'll see if I belong here."

Casper left her with those biting words and walked away without looking back. As he stormed out of the cemetery, Zach got out of his car with a mocking grin. "Looks like you got an earful. Poor thing."

"Zach, say one more word, and I'll make sure you find a permanent spot here," Casper warned, lifting a threatening finger. "You better stay far away from me."

Knowing when not to push his luck, Zach raised his hands in mock surrender and gave a small bow toward Casper, his lips still curled in a taunting smile. Casper slammed his car door and sped off.

Zach raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and lit a cigarette. Eliza walked out of the cemetery, her eyes swollen from all the crying. Zach tossed his cigarette and sauntered over to her.

With his hands in his pockets and his head tilted, he looked at her. "Tough, isn't it? Both your parents are gone because of him."

Zach's words were harsh. Just as Eliza was about to lash out, he slapped himself lightly on the face "Look at me, running my mouth when you're having such a rough time How about I take you out for a drink?"

"Zach, did you go drinking when your mom died?" Eliza's eyes were red-rimmed, brimming with anger and pain.

Zach's face fell, realizing he'd overstepped. "Today's definitely not a good day. But, Eliza, you should really think about my offer. Otherwise, Robin might be next."

"You've been with Casper long

enough to know what he's capable of. He's rathless. If he can corner his own father, imagine what he'd do to a woman he doesn't love, especially one who's taken the life his crush was supposed to have."

"Eliza, it's time to make a decision."

Eliza wasn't naive. She knew Zach was desperate to use her as a pawn. Given how ruthless Casper could be, she was determined to stay out of the Welton family's power struggle.