His Destructive, Toxic Love

In that moment, a quiet guilt seeped into Casper's heart. He felt like he couldn't even measure up to a child. He hugged the little guy tightly. "Brock, you're worried about mommy, right?" "Uh-huh," the little one nodded.

"Well, Mr. Casper will help you find her." He extended his pinky, linking it with Brock's in a promise, "Pinky swear, okay?"

The little guy lit up, his clear eyes sparkling with anticipation, "Mr. Casper, you have to keep your word."

"Of course, buddy. Uncle always keeps his promises," Casper nodded with a smile.

Brock wrapped his arms around Casper's neck, full of affection. "Mr. Casper, you're so nice. I really wish you were my dad."

Those words hit Casper like a sharp blade, piercing his heart.

He felt an intense bitterness inside. He wished he could rightfully be Brock's father. But would he ever get the chance? Eliza probably wouldn't give him that opportunity. During dinner, Eliza made a video call on Audrey's phone. She chatted with the little guy for a bit.

Casper was sitting nearby, physically there but mentally elsewhere. Brock's camera occasionally caught his stern profile.

He silently held his phone, head bowed, eyes glued to the screen, seemingly engrossed in something important. He wasn't really paying attention to the mother-son conversation. "Brock, have you been a good boy at Grandma Audrey's?" Eliza asked softly, her eyes full of tenderness and hope.

"Mommy, Brock has been very good. I've listened to Grandma Audrey," Brock's little face beamed with rare pride. "Mommy, you take care too. I'll miss you."Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Hearing her son's response, a warm feeling surged through Eliza's heart. "Mommy is doing well too, Brock. Don't worry."

"Oh my, little guy, who are you video-chatting with?" Susan suddenly barged into the frame, catching Eliza off-guard.

The little guy responded immediately, "This is my mommy."

"Hi there, I'm Susan, Casper's fiancée." The girl's face was bright with a sweet smile as she greeted Eliza warmly on the screen.

Fiancée?

Eliza's heart skipped a beat. Was this Casper's legendary childhood betrothed?

She scrutinized Susan on the screen. With her delicate features and soft contours, she did bear a resemblance to Eliza.

Trying to keep her cool, she responded as naturally as possible, "Hello, I'm Valerie."

Just as Susan was about to say more, Casper abruptly grabbed her phone. He stayed silent, his fingers swiftly ending the video call. Eliza: ...

Casper turned around, his face dark

and his voice tinged with

l.ne

displeasure. "He was video-calling his mother. Was it polite of you to interrupt like that?"

"What's the big deal? Just a casual chat," Susan was taken aback, not understanding why Casper was so angry. "I didn't say anything wrong. Why are you being so harsh?"

QUMS

The man didn't answer. He picked up Brock and headed towards the stairs. His silhouette grew colder under the light.

Susan stood there, confused, wondering what she had done wrong.

Casper took Brock back to his room.

е

Holding the phone, he softly said "Let's call your mom and tell her that the lady earlier was just a guest, not a fiancée."

Brock blinked, confused. "Mr. Casper, mommy doesn't know Susan. It's not necessary."

"Let's tell her anyway, so mommy won't get the wrong idea."