His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper: ...

She calls that bottle her "knight in shining armor" move?

So, she's the knight, and he's... the damsel?

"Yeah, handsome, super handsome, incredibly handsome." He fibbed, flashing a grin to keep her happy.

Eliza puffed up with pride like a little knight, giving her chest a playful pat, "Listen up, when you're with me, I'm your protector. No one's gonna mess with you, trust me."

"Thank you, my hero," he chuckled, shaking his head.

"No worries." She tilted her face skyward, eyes lost in the endless night.

A snowflake landed softly on her nose, sending a chill through her.

"Casper, it's snowing!" She lifted her hand, catching a few snowflakes, marveling

at their delicate shapes, "Casper, this is the first snow of the year."

"You like snow?" He adjusted his pace, carrying her gently, "Then let's enjoy it together a bit longer."

The snowflakes started falling thick and fast.

They floated down like feathers, quickly dressing the poplar trees and roadside in

a thin winter coat.

Eliza was ecstatic.

She insisted on getting off Casper's back to play in the snow.

"First, get your coat on properly."noveldrama

He buttoned up her coat snugly before letting her go, watching as she dashed through the snowflakes.

In his eyes, the world was vast, but she was always the heartbeat in his gaze. The memories they shared were scarce, too few to recall much.

He decided, from now on, he'd spend more time with her, exploring the world, realizing that promises meant less than being there for her every moment.

"Watch your step, it's slippery," he gently reminded.

She glanced back at him, her eyes twinkling, "Casper, your hair's gone white!" She laughed, her joy infectious.

Under the streetlights, her shadow and the snowflakes wove a magical picture, like a sprite from a Van Gogh painting.

"Let's grow old together, okay?" he said, his voice full of emotion.

Eliza giggled, shouting back, "I'll think about it!"

On the drive home, Eliza dozed off in the passenger seat, head tilted to one side.

He drove slowly, careful not to wake her.

The snow continued to fall, blanketing Falconridge in a shimmering silver coat.

The wind scattered little stars, dazzling as they twinkled.

A night of carefree fun led to a cold and fever the next day.

Eliza was all stuffed up, her voice barely a whisper.

She texted Brian, saying she'd make it to the office in the afternoon.

Casper came in with ginger tea, "Drink some ginger tea to warm up."

"Okay." She sat up, took the bowl, and sipped slowly, "What time is it, are you heading to work later?"

Casper touched her forehead, checking her temperature, "You're not well, so I'm staying home to take care of you. Work can wait."

"It's just a cold, I'll be alright." She

1 him the empty bowl, leaning

back the pillows, feeling a bit

wornout and guilty, "Guess I went a bit overboard last night."

"It's fine to let loose now and then." He handed her a thermometer, "Open up."

Eliza obediently opened her mouth for the thermometer, watching him peel the backing off a cooling patch to place on her forehead.

Her eyes were full of gratitude and warmth.

"Knock, knock." Caleb stood at the bedroom door, grinning, "Hey, bro, sis."

"Perfect timing. Can you check her blood and see if she needs something for the inflammation?" Casper asked, organizing everything with care.

Caleb came in with a medical kit in hand.

"Have you taken her temperature? What's it at now?" Casper handed the thermometer to Caleb, who took a look. "Still got a bit of a fever. I'll give you something to bring it down."

Eliza felt bad for bothering Caleb.

After all, he was a doctor at the hospital, not Casper's personal doctor.

"I'm fine, your brother's just being overprotective."

Caleb was used to it-Casper was

head over heels, "Right now, you're

the number one priority for hiso

I've got to get you back to fulbhealth quickly."