His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Bella, you just don't get it. It's all smoke and mirrors. If he truly loved her, why'd

he flaunt a mistress around back then? Men and women aren't the same. If a guy doesn't love a woman, he won't suddenly fall for her just because she's a good wife and mom. At best, she's just someone he feels okay leaving at home."

To Kate, Eliza was nothing more than a piece of decoration.

Just like Renee, in the end, she couldn't compete with the thrill of something new.

Allysha knew that when it came to money, Casper was leagues ahead of Daniel.

But in Falconridge, Daniel was a big shot.

What's a man's worst nightmare?

Getting cheated on, even the idea is unbearable.

When men turn cold, they can be way harsher than women.

Allysha figured Kate was playing with fire, and she'd only end up burning herself.

"Maybe Casper really has turned over a new leaf. I've seen his wife; she's pretty and seems sweet and sensible. If you really wanted something from him, why didn't you make a move earlier? Now's definitely not the best time."

That year, word had it that Casper's wife had an accident.

The mistress vanished without a trace.

At such a fragile time, Kate didn't manage to swoop in.

Now his wife is back, and he's returned to his family.

But Kate's competitive streak was ignited.

"Liz, I'd advise you not to push your luck. If Daniel finds out you're still thinking about Casper, with his clout, he could make your life miserable."

"If I can get him to divorce and marry me, I can definitely walk away unscathed. Don't worry about it."

Kate was sure of herself, watching a couple in the distance.

Suddenly, she had a plan.

"Come on, Bella. Let's head over to the lake."

Once they were gone.

Casper kept watching the deer with Eliza for a bit.

Then, hand in hand, they made their way to the lake.

The lakeside was clear of anyone waiting to row boats.

"How about we go rowing?" Eliza suggested, glancing at Casper to see what he thought.

He was more than happy to join her, "Sure thing."

They hopped into a small boat, Casper rowing while Eliza soaked up the scenery.

There weren't many people by the lake, but plenty were still rowing.

Everyone was enjoying the stunning nature, snapping pics, singing, all in great spirits.

"Here, let me take a picture of you."

Casper grabbed his phone, asking

Eliza to stand at the bow,et

both the backdrop and the

in

front, both picture-perfect content

He snapped shots from the left, right, changing angles, from above, below. Eliza had no idea how good his photography was, but he was definitely into it. "Honey, lift your face a bit; this angle's perfect, mm, one more."

Eliza was being directed by him, "Casper, don't mess around - if I

Ca single good shot onet

shot

hundred, I'll get you."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Welton, I've got skills."

Casper showed Eliza the photos he'd taken, one by one.

of a

Eliza tilted her head, looking at the photos from different angles, feeling pretty pleased.

"Casper..."

Not far away on another boat, Kate was calling out to Casper loudly.

Eliza's smile faded, and she turned, her brows knitting together.

Kate really was like a persistent ghost.

Casper's face turned dark, as if he'd run into something unlucky.

Ignoring her, he put his phone away and rowed the boat in another direction.

"She's calling you, didn't you hear?" Eliza teased.

Casper brushed it off, "She's a bit off her rocker."

"You should give Daniel a call, let

him see how the woman he's crasel

about is trying to snatch up

anothernoveldrama

guy."

In that moment, Eliza had a realization.

Marriage needs defending. Why should she just hand it over?

Kate, with her clear intentions, was after Casper, or rather, his money and

resources.

She decided she'd make sure Kate's efforts came to nothing.

Casper, rowing the boat, nodded, "Once we're back on land, I'll call Daniel."

"Nice work." She patted Casper's shoulder as a way of encouragement.

He rowed with even more enthusiasm, "Of course, gotta follow the wife's orders, right?"