His Destructive, Toxic Love

He really wanted to say that reunions were basically pointless—just a bunch of guys getting together, bragging about their lives, and the women comparing jewelry and men, then griping about men and their mothers-in-law.

Eliza meeting Renee again could potentially send her mind into a tailspin.

But he didn't dare say it out loud. Instead, he offered, "I can cover the expenses."

"Oh, trying to show off your wealth now? My classmates have married all sorts, and here you are, flaunting it."

Eliza couldn't figure out what was bothering her, but ever since she heard Renee was also going through a divorce, she couldn't stand the sight of Casper.

She tossed the duvet aside and lay down, snapping, "You're sleeping in the guest room tonight."

Casper looked a bit crestfallen.

But he didn't argue, "Alright, I'll sleep in the guest room. You should get some rest too."

"Fine, now off you go."

After Casper left the bedroom, he gently closed the door behind him.

Eliza tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Eventually, she picked up her phone again.

The class group chat was buzzing.

Everyone was chatting about where to hold the reunion.

Renee had started a smaller group chat with just four people.

Besides her and Renee, there were Alec and Hallie, all old roommates from their dorm.

Renee: Everyone free this weekend? The class president and I have picked the Maple Hotel right next to our school. They just renovated, and the private rooms are really spacious.

Renee: Ladies, I'm thinking we just make an appearance at the class reunion, but the four of us should really find a spot to catch up. Thoughts?

Alec: Totally agree.

Hallie: No objections here.

Renee: @Eliza, you there?

Eliza saw the message and replied, "I'm here."

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Are you still in

Faou've got to come to Renee: It's been ages since t

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the reunion, I've missed you. We need to catch up properly.

Eliza: Sure, I'll go along with your plan.

Honestly, Eliza was really looking forward to this get-together.

She had seen Renee a few years back, but Alec and Hallie, she hadn't caught up with them since they all got married.noveldrama

She had heard bits and pieces about their lives, but she was curious to see how they were actually doing.

Eliza had taken three days off at home to recover from being sick, then went back to work for a day.

When she got home, she sank into the couch, not wanting to move.

Casper naturally lifted her legs onto his lap and started massaging them, "I told you to take it easy and rest at home for a few more days, but you didn't listen."

"I did rest, but who's going to get the work done? Mom handed the company to

me; I can't just slack off." She was, after all, pretty ambitious.

The company was thriving, and she wanted to keep the momentum going.

"Some tasks don't have to be done by you personally. Hire someone capable, or if not, I can help you."

Casper was being genuine.

To Eliza, it sounded like he wanted to take over her jewelry business.

She defensively pulled her legs away, "You're up to something."

"How am I up to something?"

"I'm going to rest."

She was exhausted, having worked all day, and after coming back, she even went shopping to pick out gifts for her three dorm mates.

She wanted a good night's sleep to look her best for the reunion tomorrow.

Casper sat in the living room, trying to figure out what he might have said wrong.

He got up and headed to the bedroom door, but before he could step inside, the door was shut from within, not just shut, but locked too.

"Elle, open the door," he knocked gently.

A voice came from inside, "Go sleep in the guest room."

"Why do I have to sleep in the guest room again? I've been in there for days; want to be next to you." He twisted the doorknob, but it was firmly locked.