His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper had on the most earnest look he could muster.

Still, Eliza shook her head, "I've got clients to handle, and having you around isn't ideal."

Well, alright then.

He was brushed off yet again.

That thirteenth floor was still a no-go zone for him.

"Okay, if you plan to come back, just call me, and I'll give you a lift,” he relented.

Eliza smiled and tousled his hair, "Sure thing."noveldrama

After dropping Eliza off at Welton Tower, Casper didn't rush off. Instead, he stayed in the car and lit a cigarette.

Only the thirteenth floor of the building was alive with lights, and it stirred a deep unease in him.

He stepped out of the car, stubbing out his cigarette.

The driver hurried over, "Mr. Casper, are you heading back?"

"I'll just take a breather first."

So there he was, leaning against the car, eyes fixed on the lit-up thirteenth floor.

He was out there, letting the chilly breeze wash over him.

The driver, not daring to wait inside, joined him and soon found himself shivering and sneezing.

Casper snapped back, glanced at him, "Let's head back to Welton Estate."

"Sure thing, Mr. Casper."

Meanwhile, up on the thirteenth floor,

Eliza was finalizing designs and delivery dates with a client.

The contract talks went off without a hitch, and after signing, she had someone escort the client to the Falconridge Hotel.

Then, she jumped back into her work.

By the time she wrapped up, it was already 11 PM.

"Brian, has everyone left?" Eliza asked.

Brian replied, "Ms. Eliza, almost everyone's gone. Do you have more work? Want me to call them back?"

"No need, everyone's been putting in long hours lately. Remember to pay them double for the overtime."

Brian nodded with a grin, "Once they hear about double pay, they'll be all over overtime."

"Once this busy spell's over, it'd be great if we could cut back on

vezonet

overtime. Life isn't just about work, you know?" Eliza stood and

stretched, "You should head out too, I'm done here."

"Alright, Ms. Eliza."

Eliza packed up, grabbed her coat, and made her way home.

Sure, she could crash at the office to save on the morning commute, but she decided against it.

After switching off the last light, she took the elevator down.

In the lobby, only the night shift guard was still around.

The whole building was in sleep mode.

She pondered on catching the last bus if sha couldn't hail a cab. But as soon as she stepped out of Welton Tower, there was Casper, leaning against his car, waiting.

"Elle," he called out.

Eliza was surprised at first, then quickened her pace towards him, "Were you here

the whole time, or did you come back just for me?"

"Came back just for you." He unbuttoned his coat and opened his arms wide, "Feels like something's missing when you're not home."

She dashed into his arms, soaking up his warmth and scent, "What's missing? Someone to bicker with?"

She hugged him, teasingly looking up at him.

He chuckled and kissed her nose, "Someone to keep my side of the bed warm."

"Oh, so I'm just your bed warmer, am I?" She playfully pouted, charming as ever.

He was smitten, holding her tight and swaying a little, "I'll warm your hands, your feet, the bed-how about I be your bed warmer?"

"That sounds about right." She snuggled into his embrace, feeling cozy. His scent carried a light hint of tobacco, surprisingly pleasant, "Since you're being so sweet, how

about 'I treat you to a late-night snack?"

"Sure, Mrs. Welton, what's on the menu?" He gazed at her lovingly.