His Destructive, Toxic Love

Nova stood outside, ears straining to catch the sounds from within, her patience wearing thin. She couldn't wait for them to part ways.

The knock on the door was loud and insistent.

Eliza curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Mr. Casper, stop pestering me. Your little darling is getting jealous. Go and keep her company."

She pushed him, but he only pressed tighter against her. His eyes flashed with a fierce light. "I want it. Now."

The doctor had said Eliza couldn't have sex for at least a month. It was stated right in front of Casper. She thought he had taken it to heart, but clearly, he hadn't.

He was domineering, his stance and actions utterly indecent. She had to endure it passively.

The door creaked under Casper's force. Outside, Nova blushed furiously, biting her lip, consumed with jealousy.

Eventually, he let Eliza go. She was a mess while he looked thoroughly composed.

"I'm giving you three days to quit your job at the studio."

"I signed a contract. I can't just quit," she said quietly, trying to pull herself together, her voice steady.

He tossed a gold card at her. "There's a million in here. If Zach thinks it's not enough, he can come to me."

Eliza didn't pick up the card from the floor. She merely raised an eyebrow. "I need to work. Without a job, what am I supposed to eat or drink? Casper, don't be so ruthless."

"You are my wife. Do you still need to work? In the past two years we've been married, have you ever had a day without food or clothes?"

"No," she replied, her tone icy and slightly mocking. "But you see, other housewives get a salary from their husbands. I don't."Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

"So, it's all about the money."

Exactly. After ending her romantic fantasies, Eliza understood the importance of money.

"There's nothing shameful in needing money."

"Just remember your current status. Don't sell your body over some small change." His voice was cold as he glanced at the gold card on the floor. "Take the card. I'll deposit a hundred thousand every month on the condition that you come home willingly."

A hundred thousand. Tempting, indeed. She had been married to him for two years and hadn't seen a dime. Clearly, this was him buying peace of mind, fearful she would cheat on him.

Eliza didn't pick up the gold card, even though that hundred thousand could buy her dignity.

Too bad...

"It's too late, Casper. Everything is too late now."

His heart was with Nova. What was the point of staying with a loveless man? Endless arguments only made her feel more belittled.

She shook her head and turned around.

He picked up the card and grabbed her wrist. "Even a hundred thousand isn't enough for you now?"

"You know, Casper, I didn't marry you for your money."

He looked at her intently. "What do you want then?"

No, she wanted nothing anymore.

"We need to let each other go, please. I'm begging you." She was exhausted, tired of it all. Two years of marriage had drained her.

She shook off his hand and opened the bedroom door. Nova was still standing outside. The breeze touched her face, the remnants of sex driving her mad. She clenched her fists tightly, yet her face remained gentle and kind, heartbreakingly beautiful. "Eliza, are you leaving? Why don't you stay for dinner..."

Eliza really admired Nova's acting skills. With a disdainful smirk, Eliza walked away. The bedroom door slammed shut behind her. Nova's heart skipped a beat.

Back at her own place, Eliza lay in bed, not in the mood to move. In her mind's eye, she saw a vibrant young man. His name was Zach. He had a dubious background. His mother, Sonya, was a third-rate actress who had been with Casper's father Tristan for eight years when she was younger.