His Destructive, Toxic Love

Carlos barely hesitated before saying, "How about you send him over to my place? We're both guys; it might be easier for him to get along with me than with you."

Eliza didn't think too much about it but also didn't want to inconvenience anyone.

"He gets along pretty well with my son, so I'd rather not trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all. He's the inspiration for my latest novel; I believe he could be quite helpful to me," Carlos eagerly tried to persuade Eliza. "If he doesn't feel comfortable at my place, I can always bring him back. Besides, you know Gina will keep giving you grief if he stays with you."

Carlos had a point.

Though Casper was now in a vulnerable state, he was inseparably linked to her. It was unthinkable to let him stay at someone else's place without any form of identification. If something went wrong, the consequences could be dire.

No matter where she sent Casper, she wouldn't feel at ease.

"Let's just let him stay at my place," Eliza gently refused.

Carlos smiled slightly, not pushing further. "If you need anything, like help with his baths or anything else that might be inconvenient for you, just call me. I'm happy to help."

"Thank you, Mr. Carlos."

"Don't mention it."

For the next few days, life was relatively peaceful. Every day after returning from preschool, Brock's first order of business was to share everything that had happened with Casper. Though Casper couldn't understand, he provided emotional support. Since his arrival, Eliza had never heard him utter a single word. She wondered if he might be mute as well.

Regardless, she decided to take him to the hospital for a check-up. If his condition could be treated, then so be it. If not, his simplicity and harmlessness weren't so bad.

She chose a weekend for the visit. As Eliza drove to the hospital with Casper, she wasn't sure if he was afraid of hospitals, so she tried to prepare him mentally along the way.

"We're just going to see a doctor, like when you have a cold or a fever. You might get a shot, but don't be afraid, okay?"

Casper sat in the backseat and paid no attention to Eliza's words. He was preoccupied with the action figure Brock had given him. Eliza pursed her lips in silent frustration. After parking the car, Casper clung tightly to her arm. She took a step, and he followed.

"Don't be scared. This is a hospital, a place where people come to get better. Let's quickly go register and let the doctor take a good look at you," Eliza cooed softly as if caring for Brock.

She was so focused on moving forward that she was completely unaware of the danger lurking behind her. Gina was hidden in the shadows, gripping a hefty hammer, her eyes filled with determination and madness. She raised it above her head, aiming for Eliza's skull, and swung it down with all her might. Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"For stealing my man, you can go to hell..."

nět

The shrill voice caught Casper's attention. Without hesitation, he shielded her slender body with his sturdy back. The hammer fell heavily, missing its intended target but striking him squarely on the back of his head with a thud.

As the sound of metal striking bone echoed, Casper let out a painful roar, his eyes trembling violently before he collapsed to the ground. Eliza was stunned by the scene unfolding before her. Only then did she notice the crazed woman and the weapon in her hand?

The sight of the blood pool expanding on the ground and an unconscious Casper sent her fear and panic into overdrive. "Help... Murder..."

"Help... Doctor. Please, save him..."

"Somebody, please help..."