His Destructive, Toxic Love

The car window slid up slowly. Casper didn't give David another glance as the car pulled away, leaving David standing there, stunned. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before he called Eliza.

Eliza, who picked up the phone, was initially shocked but quickly started packing her things, ready to go find Casper. "David, this isn't on you."

"I didn't think Casper would just take the kid like that," David sighed, clearly feeling guilty. "I couldn't even keep an eye on a child; you have every right to be mad at me."

"That guy... don't worry, he won't hurt Brock. I'm heading back now, you stay out of this."

Brock liked Casper, and Casper didn't mind the kid either. Taking the little guy was just Casper's way of messing with David and making his presence known. And maybe using the kid as an excuse to see her again. It seemed the things said at the hotel that time had really bruised his ego.

After hanging up, Eliza slung her bag over her shoulder and got ready to leave the school. Carlos came running after her. "Ms. Valerie."

"Mr. Carlos, what's up?"

"The deadline for the competition submissions is coming up, and I noticed you haven't turned in your artwork yet."

Eliza had been swamped lately. She simply hadn't had the time to paint. She gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Carlos, I haven't had the time. Maybe I'll skip this one."

"Is everything okay at home? You've been taking quite a bit of time off recently." His concern was evident.

Eliza nodded but didn't elaborate. "I'll be heading out now."

"Ms. Valerie." Carlos called out again, "I heard the fool... returned to Falconridge?"All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Eliza knew what Carlos was getting at. But Casper wasn't a fool anymore. If he had any ideas, it wouldn't do him any good. "Mr. Carlos, his name is Casper Gu. Look him up online; he's not into guys, so don't get any ideas." Carlos was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled. "I'll make sure to do my research."

Eliza pressed her lips together, turned, and walked away. Just as she bent down to get into her car, the rain started unexpectedly. She grabbed her phone and called Dillon.

"Hello? Ms. Valerie."

"Where have you taken my son?" Eliza's voice had an edge of irritation. "Can you guys act like decent human beings?"

Dillon glanced at Casper, who was happily playing with Brock, then covered the phone and stepped outside Ms. Valerie, Mr. Casper is Brock's biological father; he wouldn't do anything to harm him. You're worrying too much."

Whether she was overreacting or not had nothing to do with Casper taking her child without her permission. This forceful behavior really rubbed her the wrong way. "Do you believe that I can call the police right now and report that you've kidnapped my child?"

"Ms. Valerie, Mr. Casper just loves the little guy. You don't need to be so tense. Biological father and son have a natural bond; you should know this better than I do."

Casper and Brock being father and son was true, but she didn't think it necessary for Casper to know. "Listen, Dillon, if you tell him that Brock is his son, I will take Brock to a place where you'll never find us." Casper's amnesia meant he should forget everything. She didn't want to be involved in his world anymore.

Dillon knew her well enough to take her seriously. "I understand."

"Send me the address. I'll come to pick up Brock."

"Alright."

Soon, Eliza received the location info from Dillon. The rain was falling steadily as she turned on the wipers, stepped on the gas, and headed out. When she arrived at Casper's płace, the rain hadn't let up. She grabbed an umbrella and got out of the car.