His Destructive, Toxic Love

The woman was quite large, probably around 300 pounds. As she walked, her flesh jiggled, and her footsteps made the ground tremble.

beneath her, splashing mud everywhere-a complete mess.

Was this really Sam's wife? Eliza's gaze stayed glued to her as she caught up in a few strides. The rain was coming down harder now, making the ground slippery. The heavy woman hadn't walked far when she lost her footing and fell. The impact created a muddy puddle Eliza was close by, her clothes catching some of the mud splatters. She hurried over, ready to help the woman up. "Ma'am, are you alright?"

"This darn ground is going to be the death of me," the woman cursed, pushing Eliza away. "You're as thin as a twig. How will you lift me? Step aside, I can manage."

Eliza felt a bit rejected. Even as the woman struggled to her feet, Eliza couldn't help but assist her.

"Who are you?" The woman brushed the mud off her rear, eyeing Eliza. "This isn't the place for someone like you. It's dangerous."

Eliza pointed towards Carlos, who was chatting with some workers not far away. "I came with a colleague. We're participating in an art competition themed around construction workers. We're looking for inspiration."

She knew the woman might not even understand what she was talking about. But it didn't matter; she just wanted to follow her and meet the man named Michael.

"Ma'am, did you come to bring your husband lunch?"

"Indeed," the woman said proudly, oblivious to the mud staining her. "My man is hardworking and handsome. I hit the jackpot with him."

The woman radiated an unmatched sense of pride. Her eyes shone like jewels in the night.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Eliza was even more curious. "Ma'am, you really love your husband."

The woman glanced at Eliza dismissively. "You're not married, are you? Handsome men can add years to a woman's life. By the looks of you, unmarried, you wouldn't understand."

Eliza was about to respond when

the woman mocked her. "Pretty young ladies like you are q too picky to settle down. Wait till you're older; all the good men will be taken, and you' be left choosing from the divorced or widowers."

Well, she was right. Eliza had no rebuttal.

The woman walked ahead. Eliza followed. After a few steps, the woman suddenly stopped, eyeing Eliza suspiciously. "Why are you following me?" "Ma'am, I'm here for inspiration."

"There are plenty of people here, and you have to choose my husband for your muse?" Suspicion flickered across the woman's face. "You... you aren't after my man, are you?" "Ma'am, I don't even know your husband. How could I be after him?" Eliza replied with a helpless smile.

Only then did the woman's expression soften. "True, my hubby isn't the brightest bulb, and only I can put up with him. A pretty girl like you wouldn't fancy a simpleton."

Reassured, the woman continued walking. "But, to be fair, my man is incredibly handsome, the best in ten miles."

"Ma'am, how long have you and your husband been married? You seem very happy together." Eliza smiled and nodded along. "You're quite a

catch yourself. How did you end up

with someone... simple?"

"I won't lie to you, I've always been a sucker for good looks. My husband is a bit slow and a bit simple, but it doesn't matter. He's not lazy, that's what counts, right?" Eliza awkwardly grinned. She had no idea how to respond to that.

She followed the woman's steps.

They turned a corner and saw more construction workers gathered in small group's, taking shelter from rain and having their lunch. The

heavy woman was well-ace the

with everyone here. After

exchanging greetings, they finally spotted a lone figure not far away.

"Look, there's my man," the woman said, puffing out her chest with pride.