His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper had just driven away from Welton Estate when Eliza sprang out of bed. She was still in her pajamas, watching the tail lights fade, feeling a strange burst of excitement. She quickly dressed in a white sweater, washed denim jeans, sneakers, and a fitted-down

jacket. She even wore the pearl earrings Casper had given her.

Eliza made herself look like she was heading out for a morning jog and went downstairs. "Ma'am, you're up early. I'll get breakfast ready right away," Marian said respectfully.

Eliza stretched and gave an exaggerated yawn. "I'm going for a quick run first."

"Ma'am, it's freezing outside. Are you sure?"

"Exercise keeps me healthy," Eliza said, bouncing on the spot a couple of times before jogging out of Welton Estate.

By nine in the morning, Falconridge was buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated engagement party commenced. Nova, dressed in a haute couture gown and wearing a tiara, soaked in the envy and well-wishes from everyone around her.

The local media in Falconridge went all out, framing the grand event as Casper's triumphant fresh start after his divorce, with headlines and stories that were both sensational and exaggerated. Amidst all the engagement coverage, a grim news report of a car accident slipped in.

The scene of the accident was chaotic-fire trucks, ambulances, and a body covered by a white sheet. Dillon was lounging on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone, when the news of the accident caught his eye. Intrigued, he clicked to enlarge the image, but it was still unclear. He decided to watch the live report instead.

"A tragic car accident occurred in our city today. A woman in her twenties was struck by an out-of-control vehicle while she was on a morning run and died on the spot. We found an ID in her pocket... The name is Eliza. We urge Eliza's family to contact the authorities immediately."

Eliza... dead in a car accident? Dillon

leaped from the couch. This had to be some sort of twisted joke, right? Shaking, he called the TV station to verify. They confirmed that she had died on the scene and had been

taken to the nearest hospital. They advised prompt action to handle the aftermath.

Dazed, Dillon clutched his phone and rushed to the engagement party, frantically searching for Casper. "Mr. Casper, something terrible has

happened," Dillon's voice shook with urgency, struggling to get the words

out

QUMS

Casper frowned, sensing the panic in the usually composed Dillon, a wave of dread washing over him. "What happened?"

Dillon took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. "It's Eliza. She's been in an accident."

"An accident?" Casper's heart plummeted as if squeezed by an invisible hand. "Where is she? Is she hurt?"

Dillon felt a lump in his throat. After a moment, he managed to say, "She... she didn't make it."

Casper felt as if he'd been struck by lightning, freezing where he stood He couldn't process the words, his mind blank, his voice trembling to the point of incoherence. "What do you mean she didn't make it?"

Dillon nodded solemnly, his expression complex. "Mr. Casper, she was taken to the hospital. Maybe you should go see for yourself."

Casper wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but he couldn't. His eyes welled up, his lips moved, but his throat was so tight he could barely speak.