His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Want me to give you a lift?"

"No thanks, I'll just grab a cab." She politely turned down his offer.

Eliza flagged down a taxi and headed to the address Dillon had texted her. The place was a breeze to find, boasting a grand entrance and top-notch decor. Just as she was about to walk in, someone stopped her.

"Ma'am, our spa operates on a membership basis. We require a financial check; it's not open to everyone."

Eliza was taken aback. She'd never heard of needing a financial check just to use a spa.

"I'm here to visit someone," she said, not wanting to get into it with the staff, "Do I need a financial check for that too?"

"Well, in that case... no. May I know which member you're here to see?" The staff member was all business, tapping away on a tablet. "Please, the member's name?"

"Casper."

The receptionist's demeanor shifted slightly. Dillon had given her a heads-up earlier. Anyone asking for Casper was to be let through without hassle.

"You're here for Mr. Casper? He's in the Emerald Pool on the third floor. You can head right up." She gave Eliza a strained smile and gestured her forward. "Watch your step, be careful."

Eliza: ...

This spa was nestled in a volcanic crater. The rough rocks and evident geothermal heat made the third-floor spa pool, nestled at the spring's outlet and surrounded by lush greenery, feel like a hidden paradise.

Casper lounged in the pool, a towel draped over his face.

"Sir, would you like some freshly squeezed juice?"

"No." His voice was cold and impatient; he didn't like interruptions.

"It's really good, made from organic fruits. Maybe just a sip?"

"Go away." He barked.

"Come on, sir, just a peek. It's delicious."

Casper was ready to lose his cool but stopped short when he saw Eliza holding the juice, giving him a playful wink.

"Sir, just a slight voice change and you can't tell it's me? That's pretty harsh." Eliza teased, holding the juice to his lips. "Come on, try it."

His irritation melted away, and he chuckled, taking the glass and downing it in one go.noveldrama

"What brought you here? Did Dillon spill the beans?" He'd forgotten to mention he wanted some alone time.

"He said you weren't feeling well. If that's the case, you should be at the hospital, not soaking in a spa." She touched his forehead, feeling the warmth and moisture. "Wan@me to go with you to the hospital?"

"No need, I'm feeling much better." He tilted his chin up, looking at her by the

pool. "Come on in, keep me company."

"I didn't bring a swimsuit."

"It's just us; you don't need one. Come on." He reached out for her.

Eliza glanced at the bathrobe on the chair. "Let me slip out of my clothes."

She wrapped herself in the bathrobe, then took his hand and eased into the pool. The water was hot, and she kept the robe on, just in case.

He laughed softly, peeking at her through the steamy mist. "No one's coming in."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and burying his face in her neck. Her scent was soothing, a calming balm to his soul.

"Where were you today? Brian mentioned you were out." He asked casually.

Eliza nodded, "I went to see Renee, dropped off our wedding invite. Ran into Gabe on my way out. His company's part of our expo bid, and as luck would have it, they won. We chatted for a bit."

She was upfront, not holding back.

She didn't see why he was inquiring, but she laid out her day for him without reservation.

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"Why the sudden interest? Did you swing by the thirteenth floor looking for me?" She turned to face him, noticing the slight flush on his cheeks her hands gently cradling his face. Mr. Casper, you seema bit off today."