His Destructive, Toxic Love

Nova gently tugged at Casper's sleeve and whispered, "Casper, don't argue with your sister. Today, we're laying Grandpa to rest. Let's keep the peace."

"Please, cut him some slack. He's just in a bad mood," Nova said, turning to Caroline with a pleading look.

"Who do you think you are? This is the Welton family business. Since when do outsiders get to butt in?"

Caroline was fuming. Who did Nova think she was, showing up at Jeffery's funeral?

Casper tried to keep his anger in check. "Why are you yelling at her?"

"Does she even belong here? Is she your wife? Casper, remember, you're married now. Grandpa hated Dad's affairs more than anything, and here you are, following in his footsteps. How dare you bring this woman to Grandpa's funeral? Are you trying to upset him even in death? What's wrong with you?"

Caroline's fingers shook as she pointed at Nova, her eyes blazing. "You've got some nerve, showing up at a Welton family funeral. Get out, now!"

Nova was too scared to respond, her face turning red as she blinked back tears. "I just wanted to pay my respects to Grandpa. I meant no harm."

"Plenty of people wanted to pay their respects. Who do you think you are?" Caroline's anger was palpable. "Nova, I won't argue with you today. Just disappear from my sight." Nova's tears began to fall.

Casper looked at Nova, his lips tightly set, his voice gentle. "Go wait for me in the car."

"Okay."

Nova's seemingly hurt demeanor made Caroline feel sick. Did all men fall for this act? Her father did, and now her brother too? The men of the Welton family were all fools.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

"How could you fall for this manipulator? How does she even compare to Eliza? You must be blind."

After her outburst, Caroline didn't give Casper a chance to respond and went straight to Audrey's side.

"Mom, the rain's getting heavy. These men have their own matters to handle. Let's head back. Watch your step."

"Alright."

The rain intensified.

Eliza was kneeling in front of the sanctuary inside the family estate.

The servants couldn't stand to watch any longer. One of them approached her with an umbrella.

"Ma'am, this rain is too heavy and

cold. Kneeling here could make y

Ewe w koet

sick No one's around now. don't you rest inside for a

"It's okay. I must kneel for three hours."

Eliza's face was deathly pale, almost devoid of color, her body trembling.

"Mr. Casper might not return today, and even if he does, he won't know how long you've knelt. If he asks, I'll say you completed it."

The servant tried to help Eliza up, but she refused. She didn't want Casper to take his anger out on others because of her.

"You go on and do your work."

The servant shook her head and walked away.

The sound of a car approached the mansion.

Caroline, helping Audrey, entered the mansion. "Mom, let's go to the sanctuary and light candles for Grandpa." "Yes, let's."

The two of them slowly walked

towards the sanctuary. Before they

could step in, they saw Eliza,

velger

drenched and kneeling at the entrance.

What was this about?

What was she trying to do in such heavy rain and cold weather?

"Eliza?"

Eliza's body slowly slumped, fainting in the torrential downpour.

"Eliza..." Caroline pulled her up from

the ground, feeling her foreine?

en up. Someone b Come on, bring her inside."