His Destructive, Toxic Love

Siblings?

The word felt loaded with ambiguity.

"Half-brother and half-sister, Mr. Juan, you really know how to play the game," Casper sneered, his voice dripping with jealousy and envy.

It was clear.

He was a man; he got it.

Juan shook his head with a smirk, clearly enjoying Casper's irritation, and kept talking.

"We grew up together. I'm even a month older than her, so I guess that makes me the one who knows her best. But we haven't seen each other in years. I've heard bits and pieces about what she's gone through. Seems like you, her ex, really did a number on her." Casper's chopping suddenly halted.

He threw the knife down in frustration and glared at Juan.

"What are you trying to say?"

Juan drew out his words, taunting, "I mean, isn't it a bit late for you to be playing the good guy now? I heard you're engaged. Yet here you are, at Eliza's place, cooking soup. What are you trying to prove?" "You don't need to understand."

Casper picked up the kettle, filled it with water, and plugged it in, all with a calm that belied his inner turmoil.

Casper always kept a wary distance from that smug, playful man.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

But Juan seemed fascinated by him.

Leaning casually against the kitchen doorframe, arms crossed, Juan watched Casper intently, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

He continued in his distinct tone, "With Eliza's father gone, she's left with a brother who's not all there and a little boy in kindergarten. If someone messes with her, she has no one to turn to. Think about that..." "I'm here. Who would dare?" Casper's voice was sharp and clear.

"You?" Juan's smile twisted into a mocking grin, "Mr. Casper, do you think people will back off just because of her ex-husband?"

Casper's brow furrowed, turning to Juan with annoyance, "What's your point?" Juan let out a slow hiss.

He met Casper's intense gaze, "I heard that on the day you and Eliza were supposed to finalize your divorce, the civil affairs office had a sudden power outage? Don't tell me that was your doing, Mr. Casper?"

Juan's tone was teasing, a knowing look in his eyes.

Men understand these things.

A power outage, right when it mattered most? Who would buy that?

"Think what you want." Casper wasn't about to explain himself.

Juan's smirk widened, taking it as confirmation.

"If you were so against the divorce, why get engaged to someone else? Mr. Casper, I really don't get you." "You don't need to."

The water boiled, and Casper poured it into the pot.

He started cooking the pasta with practiced ease, then moved on to prepare the sauce.

Juan showed no sign of leaving.

And Casper had no intention of engaging further.

"Mr. Casper, I'm trying to help you," Juan said, knowing Casper might not believe him. "I'm saying, if you go through with this engagement and the wedding, all you'll have with Eliza is missed chances and regret."

Casper fell silent.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with self-mockery.

"If I don't get engaged, don't have a wedding, and stay single, will she take me back? Do I even deserve it?"

Juan:...

Yeah, he had a point.

"At least you're self-aware."

Casper turned to glare at him, eyes blazing with intensity, as if ready to tear Juan apart.

Feeling a chill run up his spine, Juan

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, "I mean, are you realle

Plastered on a smile and

up that easily?" Conte