His Destructive, Toxic Love

Chelsea's heart skipped a beat, leaving her utterly speechless.

"Wait, seriously? This is all new to me. So, if she's mixed up with Daniel now, what's her deal with Casper?"

Even Eliza was in the dark about Kate and Casper's past and present connection.noveldrama

"She used to be a spokesperson for some product line at Welton International during the three years I was away from Falconridge. During that time, she and Casper... might have had a thing."

Chelsea felt like her head was about to explode. A thing? Really? Would this ever end?

"Was it really a thing, or is that just gossip you've heard?"

Eliza, not being directly involved, could only guess. After all, when she cozied up to Daniel, she seemed to have secured a long-term meal ticket. So why was she now giving Casper the eye? Was she not satisfied with what Daniel had to offer, or was there something else going on?

Eliza shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't seen Casper for a week. I have no clue what he's been up to or who he's been hanging out with."

"Weren't you guys supposed to have a wedding photo shoot? Is that off the table now?" Chelsea asked, concerned.

Eliza sighed, "We'll see."

"I don't think this is good for you."

Chelsea knew Eliza all too well. Ever since she endured that horrific marriage, she'd become avoidant. And in marriage, avoidance is a huge no-no.

"Elle, you're Mrs. Welton. When it's time to stake your claim, you need to show your cards. Those women with eyes on Casper need to be set straight, not ignored."

Hiding wouldn't fix anything. Others would sense Eliza's hesitance and think she was easy to push around.

Eliza understood that sometimes marriage demanded a stand. But she really didn't want her marriage to feel like a battlefield. She always believed that what was meant for her would stay, and what wasn't couldn't be forced. Was she wrong to think like that?

"Chelsea, I know Casper draws a lot of attention, and it bugs me. Maybe I'm not cutout to be his wife. I don't want stress in my marriage. I want a simple life, without jealousy or drama, and honestly, I don't even want too much money..."

Eliza felt a wave of melancholy. When you love someone, you're willing to bend over backward to make them happy. But when the love fades, doesn't patience fade too?

Casper wasn't known for his

patience. If they were to spend their

lives together, even if the love stayed strong, he wouldn't always be

patient with her. Plus, who knew

how long his love would last?

"Chelsea, I'm so uncertain now. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, or maybe I'm just being petty. I really don't know how far we can go together."

"Are you having pre-wedding jitters? Is the thought of the wedding making you feel lost?" Chelsea guessed.

Many women felt this way. Although Eliza and Casper had been legally married for years, hosting a wedding was a whole different ball game. Her anxiety, panic, and nerves were all perfectly normal.

"Elle, why not take a little break, give yourself some time to breathe?"

Eliza was considering this too. Work could temporarily numb her, but no one knew how tough life was for her outside the office.

"My mind's a mess right now; I really need some time to sort things out."