His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Maddie, what are you on about? You're an adult, you should be able to handle

things yourself. It's really not necessary to rely on others for everything. You're not a kid anymore, don't you feel a bit awkward acting like this?"

Eliza was genuinely ticked off.

She couldn't wrap her head around why Maddie was putting on such a show in front of her and Dillon, a guy she was meeting for the first time. Knowing that she was Casper's wife, Maddie should've known to keep a respectful distance. And it's not like Maddie was even Casper's real sister. Even if she was, her behavior would still be out of line, right? They're not preschoolers, after all.

Once Eliza finished her piece, Maddie's eyes welled up.

Feeling all kinds of wronged, she dropped her cutlery. "I'm sorry, Eliza. I won't dare to do it again."

Eliza was taken aback.

What did she mean by "won't dare"? Was she suggesting that Eliza was throwing her weight around? That she was the one being bullied?

Suddenly, it dawned on Eliza. No wonder something felt off-it wasn't just off, it was full-on drama.noveldrama

They'd had their fair share of drama with Nova, and now Maddie was taking it to another level.

It's like silence invited more silence.

Standing up, Eliza decided to make her exit. "Sorry guys, I'm not feeling too great. I'm gonna head back. Enjoy your meal."

"Eliza, are you mad at me?" Maddie started bawling.

Eliza was flummoxed by this display, her brow furrowing. "Why are you crying?"

"I know I messed up. I've upset you. It's all my fault. I'll keep my distance from Casper from now on. No, I'll stay far away. Please don't be angry. If you're upset, Casper will be too, and I don't want to make him sad."

Maddie's tears poured down like a river.

As if the world was ganging up on her.

Just as Maddie looked like she might faint, Eliza found it hard not to chuckle internally.

What kind of Oscar-winning performance was this? She was really milking the victim role.

As Maddie swayed, about to collapse, and right when Casper was about to help her, Eliza, with a dramatic flair, 'fainted' on the spot.

The quickest way to handle drama queens was to out-drama them.

Acting? Piece of cake.

Casper was shocked, instantly forgetting about Maddie and rushing

to Eliza.

. "Honey, what's wrot

Don't

scare me like that."

Seeing Eliza 'pass out' before her, Maddie stomped her foot in frustration.

Dillon, biting back a smirk, tried to stay composed. "Mr. Casper, you should really get your wife to the hospital."

Casper didn't waste a second, scooping up Eliza and heading out.

Maddie trailed after them, "Casper, what about me? I'm not feeling well either."

"Maddie, should I call an ambulance for you?" Dillon suggested with a mischievous grin.

Maddie cradled her forehead, sitting down weakly and waving him off, "No need, I'll just rest for a bit."

Dillon raised an eyebrow and made a swift exit from the restaurant.

Once Eliza was settled in the car, Casper geared up to drive to the hospital.

"I'm fine," Eliza assured, smoothing out her clothes and settling back. "Just felt a little off, that's all."

"You scared the life out of me."

Eliza gave Casper a look-he was the one who was scared? Probably from Maddie's theatrics, she mused.

"Casper, seriously, how old is Maddie? Why do you let her get away with this stuff? Do you really see her as your sister?"

Casper felt like he owed Rory, so he was extra nice to Maddie.

But Eliza saw a bit of Fiona in Maddie's antics.

"Casper, doesn't it feel awkward to you?"

"She's when it. To

Rory

was around. I'm

osys been like that, even

, she's just a little used t

hasn't grown up yet." Cop Salt

Sister?

What a loaded term.

who

He might see her as a sister, but she might not see him as a brother.

"Anyway, I don't like her acting like a helpless, clingy mess."

"Alright, I'll be more mindful then.", He didn't

bnt anyone getting

ि

between him and his wife. To him, Eliza was his top priority. "I'll keep my distance from her, okay?"