His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper's glare was as sharp as a knife. "Get out."

Summer was frozen in place, shocked by his sudden outburst. It was the first time she'd seen Casper so furious, and she momentarily forgot how to respond.

"Get. Out." He barked again.

Startled, Summer shrank back. "Oh, alright, Mr. Casper." She hurried out of the office, making sure to close the heavy door quietly behind her.

The spacious office felt cold and empty, the tension between Eliza and Casper thick enough to cut with a knife.

"This... thing," he began, struggling to find words that felt adequate, "I'm telling you, it's the first time I've seen it today. Do you believe me?"

"Do you really think I'd buy that?" She eyed him like he was some kind of joke.

An unused condom might be explainable. But a used one in the trash?

She shook her head, disappointment crashing over her like a wave, mostly directed at herself for feeling foolish. "I never imagined Mr. Casper had such wild antics, juggling dual lives at home and outside. Truly impressive stamina, Mr. Casper."

Her words dripped with bitterness, each one more painful than the last.

The sadness in his eyes was palpable. He raised his hands, wanting to pull her into a comforting hug.

He wanted to reassure her that this was all news to him-that he had no secret life.

"Casper, don't touch me," she said with a look that made him back off. "Elle, I didn't..."

"Didn't what? Didn't think I'd stroll into your office today? Didn't expect me to discover your drawer full of secrets? Or are you just regretting not hiding these sooner?"

Her gaze cut through him, filled with contempt.

Disgust and despair mingled in the air.noveldrama

How could she have had two kids with this man?

Was he still inwardly applauding his own acting skills?

"Casper, tell me, who is she?" Her voice was icy, devoid of warmth.

"Elle, it's not what you think. After everything we've been through, 10 wouldn't jeopardize us like this." He reached for her again, but she shoved him away. "This lounge, I haven't even..."

Her eyes were blazing with anger, refusing to hear his excuses. "Who is she?"

"There is no other woman," he insisted, trying to soothe her temper, though she was as prickly as a porcupine. "This is the CEO's office, not just anyone can waltz in."

Eliza's eyes were red with rage. What was he suggesting?

That his secret lover was so well-hidden no one could find her?

"Then what?" she spat, utterly disillusioned. "Your company, your office, your lounge-a used condom. What do you expect me to think?"

"I just want you to believe me," he pleaded. "I haven't done anything to betray you. Can't you trust me, even a little?"

Eliza let out a bitter laugh.

Now he was acting like the wronged party.

He'd done this and still wanted her blind trust.

Unbelievable.

She turned to leave, but he grabbed her waist, pulling her back. "I swear, I didn't know about this. I haven't even..."

"Let me go." She struggled against him.

But instead of releasing her, he held on tighter, almost begging. "Please, calm down. Think about it-why would + cheat? I'm exhausted from work every day. Where would I find the energy?" en

"You dare to argue?" she seethed, delivering a sharp slap across his cheek. "Casper, if anyone knows your energy levels, it's me."

Lying right to her face.

Now he was trying to out-act her.

He rubbed his stinging cheek, trying

to keep calm as he explained, "My feelings for you are real. I'm not out there chasing every skirt. Over the years, who have I been with besides you?"