His Destructive, Toxic Love

Eliza closed her eyes and leaned in, offering her lips. She felt awkward, hesitant, but drawn by an irresistible pull.

"Do you even know how to kiss?" His breath hitched at her clumsy approach.

She shook her head, a silent confession.

With a swift move, he took charge, cradling the back of her head as their lips met.

Suddenly, a cellphone rang, cutting through the moment. Casper ignored it, his lips trailing down her neck.

"You really should answer that," she murmured.

"Not interested," he replied, dismissing the noise.

But the ringing didn't stop.

Gathering her courage, Eliza pulled the phone from his pocket. A glance at the screen showed it was Nova calling.

"It's Nova. You sure you don't want to answer?"

With a reluctant sigh, he took the phone, his voice edged in annoyance, "Hello?"

"Casper, I got my period. Can you grab me some tempons? My stomach's killing me. Oh, and some smoothie too?" Nova's voice was tentative. "Got it," Casper said softly.

Yet, he lingered. He kissed Eliza one last time and reluctantly let her go. "You... should get some rest."

He left the kitchen, grabbed his coat, and walked out without another word.

Eliza felt a wave of bitter irony.

Casper's devotion to Nova was so intense he'd personally fetch her tempons. Once, she would have given anything for such attention. Now, it meant nothing.

...

The next morning, Eliza headed to the design department. Her boss didn't question her absence, and she offered no explanations.

As noon approached, a buzz of gossip filled the office.

"Word is, a new deputy manager will be here today, handpicked by Mr. Casper."

"Could it be Mr. Casper's girlfriend?"

"Isn't Mr. Casper married?"

"I heard he's getting divorced, and this one's his first love."

"So, she might be the CEO's future wife? Working under her watchful eye, will we ever catch a break?"

"Shh, she's here."

Heads turned as Molly wheeled in the new deputy manager.

Eliza had expected this. Nova wouldn't pass up a chance to flaunt her status. Nova needed to feet superior, masking her insecurities by undermining Eliza.

Molly introduced her with a flourish, "Meet our new deputy manager, Nova. Let's give her a warm welcome." Colleagues clapped in succession.

Nova's eyes fixated on Eliza. "You're not going to welcome me?"

Eliza looked up, clapping lazily.

"Let's all get along with Ms. Nova," Molly continued, wheeling Nova towards the office. "Your office is all set. Mr. Casper made sure you'd be taken care of. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Thanks, Molly. I'll make sure Mr. Casper hears good things about you," Nova replied with a gracious smile.

Molly responded, "Get settled in then. I've got some work to do."

"Sure thing."

As Molly exited, she clapped her hands for attention. "Listen up, everyone. We have a new product to design. Are you ready?" "Molly, what's the new project?" asked Ada, a colleague.

Molly stated, "It's a seasonal

accessory themed around flowers.

Mr.

Waid the best design

a hundred thousand bonus."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

The design department erupted in excitement.

Eliza remained calm, her face a mask of indifference.