His Destructive, Toxic Love

"After Casper passed away, his family was quick to call off the engagement," Caroline sighed, trying hard to keep a brave face.

"Seriously? They're still acting like this? That's just too much," Eliza said, wrapping Caroline in a comforting hug. "Not marrying you is their loss. We don't need folks like that in our lives." "I'm okay," Caroline shrugged.

This marriage was more of a convenience for both families. The Sullivan family had money and clout in Falconridge, and that's what they were after with the Weltons. Caroline just needed Luke to be obedient. She knew a marriage like that wouldn't have lasted long anyway.

Dillon had handled all the preparations for the funeral. After a small ceremony and burning what needed to go, it was a final goodbye to Casper's life.

Back from the cemetery, everyone sat in the living room, the silence heavy in the air.

Dillon took a call and stepped outside.

"Sis," Eliza said, glancing at Caroline, "do you think Casper's spirit might come back to visit? Mind if I crash here tonight?"

Caroline gave a slight nod. "Stay if you want. You don't need my permission."

Since the last time Caroline left Eliza's house, she'd decided not to meddle in Eliza's business anymore. The more she got involved, the more misunderstandings it brought. Better to stay out of it.

Eliza could sense the edge in Caroline's voice. Last time, she'd wanted to explain, but Caroline hadn't let her.

"Sis, I'm sorry for saying those

hurtful things before. I was way too emotional and not thinking straight," Eliza said, her voice softening. Caroline had always been patient with her. Despite any tensions, Caroline was the only one in the

Welton family who ever stood up for Eliza.

"Sis, I just can't wrap my head around why he insisted on a divorce after the accident. Even without it, the marriage would have ended with his passing. It seemed pointless, and it's hard not to overthink it. Please, don't be mad."

Caroline's expression softened too. It wasn't about holding a grudge, just words said in the heat of the moment that stung a bit.

"It's all behind us now."

"Sis, there's something else," Eliza said, pulling a bank card from her bag. "This card was Casper's. Since we're divorced, I don't think I should keep it. Could you give it to Mom?"

The card was special. Besides Casper's name, it had Eliza's too. She had the same rights to use the money as he did. It was one of the ways he had looked out for her, showing how much he cared.

"Since he left the card for you, you should keep it. Mom wouldn't take it," Caroline said, leaving the card with Eliza. She'd have to find another time to pass it to Audrey herself.

When Dillon came back inside, Eliza had already taken Brock to the room prepared for her. The living room was eerily quiet.

"Are we being too harsh on her?" Dillon asked, glancing upstairs, his voice barely a whisper.

"This was Casper's plan, right? What does it have to do with us?" Caroline replied. At most, she was just an accomplice. If Eliza ever found out Casper wasn't really gone, her issues would be with him alone.

"How's Casper doing now?" Caroline asked.

Dillon nodded slightly, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "The fracture is healing well, but the burns on his back are severe, and his face..."