His Destructive, Toxic Love

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"This coat is..." he asked.

Eliza forced a smile. "It's a bit chilly, so I borrowed it."

"I can give you mine," David offered, already starting to take off his jacket.

Eliza waved him off politely. "No need."

"Eliza, you and Casper..." He tried to hide his curiosity but couldn't help himself. "He hasn't been bothering you, has he?"

Eliza let out a sad smile. "He doesn't even remember me. How could he trouble me? It was just a coincidence."

David knew he had no right to pry, but he couldn't shake the unease in his heart.

The engagement party was still in full swing, but Casper had left early. As he got into the car, Dillon couldn't hold back his questions. "Mr. Casper, where did you go? I was looking all over for you." "Chasing after my girlfriend," Casper replied.

Dillon looked confused. "Chasing... your girlfriend? Who?"

"Who else? Valerie, of course."

Dillon was stunned. This guy was serious about Eliza. It seemed like his feelings ran deep, so deep that even amnesia couldn't erase them. But would she feel the same? It would be heartbreaking if all his efforts ended in vain. "Mr. Casper, where to now?"

"To the hotel," Casper said, pointing ahead.

As the car started moving, Dillon couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Casper, why are you staying at a hotel? Wouldn't it be more comfortable at home?"

"You wouldn't understand," Casper replied.

Dillon shook his head, admitting to himself that he really didn't get it.

...

The engagement party wrapped up smoothly. Carter seemed pleased, looking much more spirited. Amaya held Eliza's hand, introducing her to friends and family, always tagging on "my future daughter-in-law which made Eliza feel the weight of expectation.

By the time the event ended, Eliza was completely drained.

"You should stay here tonight. We have plenty of rooms," David suggested, hoping to keep her around for a heartfelt chat. "My parents would be upset if they knew you were staying at a hotel."

If she stayed, the fake engagement might start to feel real, and Eliza didn't want that.

"David, I can't stay. If your parents or Amaya ask, please explain."

"Not even for one night?" His eyes showed a mixture of disappointment and longing.

Eliza gave a faint smile. "David, I understand, but our relationship is just for show. It's not right to stay under the same roof."

"It wouldn't be a problem," David insisted.

But Eliza was firm. Despite his reluctance, David had to respect her decision. He dropped her off at the hotel, offered a few parting words, and left.

Still wearing Casper's coat, Eliza

wandered into the hotel, lost in

thought. She didn't notice the figure standing by her door until she nearly walked into him. Startled, she looked up and met his gaze.

"You... what are you doing here?" Surprise and confusion colored her voice.

"Isn't it obvious? Waiting for you," he replied with a soft smile, a hidden tenderness in his eyes.

"Waiting for what?" She suddenly remembered the coat and tossed it back to him. "Here's your coat. Now go."

She pulled out her room key and opened the door, but as if he had planned it, Casper slipped inside with her. "I'm not here for the coat," he said casually.

"Then why are you here?" She asked, exhaustion heavy in her voice. She tossed her bag aside and collapsed onto the bed. "What is it, Mr. Casper? Are you tired of home and decided to try out hotel living?"