His Destructive, Toxic Love

No matter how advanced the technology or how precise the instruments were, in the end, they might only recover a body so disfigured from the sea that it was unrecognizable. Not everyone could handle that. Sometimes, it was better to hold onto a memory. Dillon knew this well. Yet, he couldn't let go. He hoped for a miracle. All that hope eventually turned into disappointment and then into despair. They salvaged the car, but not Casper. The rescue team gently suggested that Casper might have sunk deeper into the sea. Deep down, everyone knew the sea was full of creatures, and there was a chance Casper had been consumed.

A month went by. Both the Welton family and Welton International had accepted the news of Casper's passing. The memorial was over. The Welton family held a grand funeral for Casper. Eliza stared at the tombstone with two names on it and felt a sudden tug at her heart. Was this the destined ending all along? She had faked her death while he had truly died, his body lost to the sea. Either way, there would be no more Casper in Falconridge, nor would there be an Eliza. A cenotaph took the place of his ashes, buried beneath the earth.

Audrey fainted from crying and was quickly taken away. After Caroline left, Eliza stood alone in front of the cold tombstone. As she stared at his photograph, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She thought she could use the pain he had caused her to offset the sorrow of his departure. But it wasn't that simple.

"Casper, let's call it even. If you're still out there somewhere, I hope you're doing well. I know the chances are slim... I'm really grateful you saved me, and I'm truly sorry. I should have told you that Brock is your child."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Brock. I hope you understand. I don't want him to become part of the Welton family. He's different from you, gentle and sensitive, not cut out for the ruthless business world. He should grow up healthy and ordinary."

That way, he wouldn't have left with regrets. Death should be clear and unambiguous. Such a pity...

"Oh, and I handed over Aaron's confession recording to the police. They said they'd investigate thoroughly. Evil will get its due, and he will be punished."

She didn't know why she was so talkative. During their two years of marriage, most of their interactions had been in silence. Maybe this was her last conversation with him.

"Casper, if there's a next life, let's not meet again. Let's not believe in love at first sight. Love isn't an instant explosion. That kind of intensity is too much. It's too tragic and not for us ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

SWI

If Eliza could go back in time, she definitely wouldn't have been

attracted to him, wouldn't have given him that painting, and wouldn't have shown him any kindness. She would

have finished college peace

En

found a respectable job, and maybe pursued further studies or

professional development. When it was time to marry, her family would have arranged for her to marry a man they knew well. They wouldn't be rich, but they could have lived a simple, content life together.

She lowered her eyelashes lightly. That life was impossible now. Maybe in the next life, she hoped for such happiness.

"Casper, I'm leaving now. I might not visit you often in the future. When Brock grows up, I'll have him pay his respects every year. Also... after I die, let's not be buried together."

It wasn't out of hatred. The

resentment faded when he

sacrificed his life to save hers. It just

seemed unnecessary to bind two

people who didn't love each other,

even in death. They needed to be

free in death.