His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Aunt Mae always knew our Katie was the cutest." Mae grinned broadly, as if she saw victory right around the corner.

"Mae," Katie said, pulling open her purse. Inside a small pocket was a tiny vial of medicine. "Take this. It'll kick in after half an hour. Be quick about it."

"Don't worry," Mae replied, clutching the vial in her hand.

Handling some mysterious woman? Piece of cake for her.

Eliza wasn't in the mood to eat. The Welton family had so many people around, including a bunch of servants. Except for that forgetful aunt, probably only Casper didn't know who Eliza was. So...

The situation was really awkward. It looked more like Casper was just entertaining himself.

"Our family is really easygoing," Casper said, worried she'd feel out of place. He kept piling food onto her plate. "The chef is amazing; you should try more."

Eliza: ...

She was so uncomfortable she could practically feel her toes curling into the floor.

"I can serve myself, thanks."

Next to her, Caleb almost burst out laughing. "Bro, you've got to try harder. Looks like Ms. Valerie isn't quite into you."

He was clearly enjoying the show, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Audrey smiled softly and served Caleb some food. "Stop teasing your brother."

"Great Aunt, I'm just cheering him on," Caleb said, making a playful cheer gesture.

Caroline joined in the laughter. "Chasing a girlfriend isn't just about cheering; it's all about timing and luck."

"What are you all talking about?" Casper furrowed his brows, looking confused. "Isn't it rude to talk like that in front of her?" "Let's just eat," Audrey said with a smile.

After dinner, Katie volunteered toContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

make coffee for everyone. Caleb the chatterbox, started talking non-stop about his experiences in hospitals abroad. Everyone sipped their coffee, looking relaxed.

Eliza wasn't really interested. After having a cup, she felt sleepy and wanted to head back.

"Sorry, I'm a bit tired. I'll head out now," she said, standing up and politely bidding everyone goodbye.

Casper stood up too. "I'll walk you out."

"Casper, can you help me find a book first? I need it for my exams," Katie said, grabbing Casper's arm to stop him. "Ms. Valerie can wait a bit, right?" Katie looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Casper didn't want to entertain her request. "Exams? And you're cramming at the last minute? What were you doing all this time?"

"Just help me out," Katie persisted.

"Casper, help Katie find that book, will you? Ms. Valerie, you don't mind, do you?" Mae turned to Eliza.

Eliza felt a bit uncomfortable but thought she could just get a cab. "It's fine."

"Wait for me a moment," Casper said, heading upstairs with Katie.

Mae immediately suggested the family driver take Eliza home. "Ms. Valerie you look a bit pale. Let our driver John take you back. I'll explain to Casper when he comes down."

Eliza wanted to refuse, but she felt dizzy and didn't argue. "Okay, please have the driver take me." "Alright."

Eliza felt heavy and weak as she got into the car. On the way, she started sweating, her throat felt like it was on fire, and she had a strange, intense physical need.

What on earth was happening?