His Destructive, Toxic Love

The whole restaurant was caught in a stunned silence, eyes glued to the commotion unfolding.

It was Daniel, ruthlessly dragging Kate out by her hair. She was a bloody mess, leaving a crimson trail in her wake. Kate fought desperately, hoping against hope that someone would step in and help her.

"Help! He's going to kill me..."

"Someone, please, I'm begging you..."

Her cries echoed, but whether out of shock or fear of getting involved, everyone just sat there, frozen, not lifting a finger.

Eliza's eyes landed on Allysha, sitting not too far away. Given how close Allysha and Kate were, surely she wouldn't just sit there and do nothing, right?

Yet...

Allysha barely glanced up, then went back to her meal, as if Kate was just another stranger.

"I don't get it. Aren't Allysha and Kate best friends? Why isn't she doing anything to help?" Eliza mused, baffled.

Friendships between women shouldn't be so heartless.

Eliza didn't understand. But Casper did.noveldrama

In the cutthroat world of showbiz, friendships like Allysha and Kate's often had strings attached. If Allysha jumped in, the media or someone with a hidden agenda might catch wind, sparking rumors and scandals. She knew all too well that while rumors spread like wildfire, the truth struggled to catch up.

For the sake of her own career, Allysha wouldn't risk it.

"Just fair-weather friends," Casper remarked.

Eliza was speechless.

Soon enough, Daniel dragged Kate out of the hotel. And just like that, she was gone.

In the blink of an eye, the restaurant buzzed back to life. People resumed their chatter and laughter, as if none of it had ever happened.

Eliza placed her knife and fork down. "I'm done too, let's head back."

"Sure thing."

The scene with Kate left a heavy impression on Eliza. She never imagined Daniel could be so brutal. Now, she understood what Casper meant when he said Kate might not show her face in Falconridge again.

up

The man who was supposed to take Eliza hiking the next day ended getting a call from Dillon. Apparently, Tristan had caused a stir at work, and he needed to handle it

With a reluctant hug, he held her close for what felt like ages. “I'll come get you tomorrow, okay?"

"Of course." She nodded, fixing his shirt. "Drive safe. They're predicting rain and snow, so take it easy. Text me when you get to the office."

"If the weather's bad, skip the hike. I don't want to worry." He kissed her forehead. "Bundle up, don't catch a cold."

"I'm not a kid, you know." She walked him to his car. "And drive slowly, alright?” "Sweetheart." He motioned her over, and she approached, puzzled. "What's up?”

He reached through the window, gently cradled her head, and kissed her deeply. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Got it. Safe travels."

His eyes were full of tenderness, reluctant and longing, not wanting to part but knowing he had to.

She gave a small smile, waving as his car faded from view.

She lingered a moment, then turned. to head back inside. That's when she noticed Gabe standing there, looking a bit taken aback. “What are you doing here?"

"Saw you standing alone, thought I'd come over." He glanced where Casper's car

had vanished. "Your husband left?"

"Yeah, something came up at work,” she replied, keeping it brief.

Gabe gave a slight nod. "I'm heading out for a hike today. Want to join?"