His Destructive, Toxic Love

Once Aaron had laid out the details of the project, he added, "I'll be overseeing this personally. If you're comfortable with it, you can trust me with your mom's care."

Putting aside his relationship with Casper, Aaron was a genuinely conscientious doctor. He was professional.

After Eliza thought it over, she agreed, "Alright, Aaron. Thank you. I'll leave it in your hands."

"It's no trouble at all. Let's hope for a good outcome."

After paying a portion of the fees, Eliza walked out with Aaron. "Honestly, this is a well-established program. You really don't need to worry."

"Aaron, I'm not worried," she said, her face glowing with gratitude. "If you need anything, just call me."

"Of course."

They walked side by side, nearing the parking lot, when Aaron suddenly asked, "I heard you moved back in?"

"Yes."

"Casper can be impulsive, but he's not a bad guy. You can make things work, and when you get a chance, come to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up. Miracles can still happen, you know."

By miracles, he meant having a child. She once longed to have a baby with Casper. Now, that desire was gone.

"I've just accepted things for how they are." Casper's friends must've all known about Nova. "He's living with Nova now and not sharing a bed with me."

Aaron was taken aback. Casper had been making some questionable choices lately, but this was next level.

"Nova's living with you now?"

Eliza chuckled, "Yep."

"Casper's lost his mind. How could he make such a stupid decision?" Aaron said, frustrated.

Casper's outrageous actions were no surprise. He always did whatever he wanted without considering if it was reasonable.

"I don't care," she said, looking down.

A flicker of sorrow flashed in Aaron's eyes before he quickly hid it. "I'll talk to him when I get the chance."

"It's okay," she glanced at her watch. "Aaron, I have to get to my shift at the lounge. Let's catch up some other time."

"Alright, drive safely on your way."

He watched until Eliza disappeared from sight before turning around and spotting a familiar tall figure.

Aaron paused, then walked over. "Why didn't you tell me you're coming here?"

"If I had, would I have caught you on a date with my wife?" Casper flicked his cigarette, the ash falling to the ground. "Aaron, are you denying it?"

Faced with Casper's ridiculous accusation, Aaron couldn't be bothered to explain.

"If you insist on spinning some dishonorable story about me and Eliza, what can I do?"

"So you admit it's dishonorable?" Casper's lips curled in disdain as he grabbed Aaron's collar. "Did you sleep with her?"

"Do you not trust me, Eliza, or yourself?" He stared calmly at his friend of over two decades. "Casper, you've really become unreasonable lately."

Aaron wished they could talk things

out calmly, but Casper never gaveConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

him that, chance. Their long friendship always ended in discord. Aaron's suffering was no less than Casper's.

"Casper, if you truly want to make

things work with Eliza, send Nove

away. How can things between you and Eliza ever improve if you keep Nova around?"

Casper laughed coldly, "She told you this?"

"Do I need anyone to tell me anything? It's all over the big screens in the square-your saga with Nova. Seriously, I'm not trying to meddle in your affairs, but don't you think it's unfair to Eliza?"