His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Eliza's stomach growled. Is there anything ready to eat?" he asked, his usually stern face softening into a rare smile that left Marian momentarily stunned. "How about I whip up some ramen for Mrs. Eliza?" "I'll handle it," he said, glancing at Marian. "Let's make some ramen. Get the ingredients ready for me."

"Of course, sir."

With Marian's swift assistance, a steaming bowl of ramen was soon ready.

"Marian, go tell Eliza that dinner's ready," Casper instructed gently, his eyes brimming with warmth and anticipation.

"Right away, sir. I'll call her down."

Marian hadn't gotten far when she saw Eliza descending the stairs.

"Madam, your ramen is ready. Mr. Welton made it himself," Marian announced quietly.

"Alright."

Eliza glanced over.

Casper was walking out of the kitchen, carrying a steaming bowl of ramen. The aroma was enticing, filling the room with warmth.

Perhaps the bowl was too hot, because Casper gently pinched his earlobe as he set it down, looking oddly cute in the process.

Cute?

That didn't seem like a word that should describe him.

"Dinner isn't quite ready yet, so have some ramen to tide you over," he waved her over, his smile soft and indulgent.

Eliza returned his smile and walked over quickly. "Honestly, I could wait," she said.

"If you're hungry, eat. No need to wait," he insisted, handing her a pair of chopsticks. "Eat while it's hot."

Eliza nodded and sat down obediently, picking up some ramen with her chopsticks.

She blew on them to cool them down a bit, then offered them to Casper. "You try it first. See if it tastes good."

He looked at her with affection, eyes full of tenderness, and leaned in to take a bite, savoring the flavor before nodding, "Mmm, delicious. I guess my cooking's not too shabby." Eliza took a bite, her eyes twinkling as she gave Casper a thumbs up.

She continued eating, chewing slowly and quietly, showing the kind of grace that only a well-mannered girl could manage while eating ramen.

Unlike Nova, who lacked such refinement.

Nova loved going to fancy

restaurants but never displayed t

manners and etiquette

st

expected there.

The more Casper thought about it, the more he realized that Nova

at she was.

the girl he had initially el.net

"Uh..." he mumbled, touching his nose awkwardly. "the day after tomorrow, Nova and I..."

"Your engagement?" Eliza put down her chopsticks, listening attentively.

Casper suddenly felt a pang of guilt towards Eliza.

"It's not as straightforward as you think, it's..."

"I don't mind," she said, offering a gentle smile.

He admired her understanding of nature.

But those words felt like thorns, pricking him all over.

"Okay."

He didn't say anything more.

He headed to the living room, lit a cigarette, and smoked quietly.

Eliza raised an eyebrow slightly.

There was no need for him to explain.

The ramen was delicious.

However, a bowl of ramen wasn't enough to thaw her frozen heart.

On the day of the engagement.

Casper woke up early.

Before getting out of bed, he leaned down

todaEliza. "Don't read the news be good. I'll be back tonight just

today. Stay off the internet and just

"Mmm." She agreed softly.

Half-asleep, she felt his kiss on her forehead. "Wait for me."