His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Get some more people to keep an eye on the Pinotti house. I don't want anything happening to her," Casper said in a low, firm voice. Dillon blinked, taken aback. Hadn't they broken up? What's this all about now?

"Mr. Casper, do you... still have feelings for Ms. Valerie?" he ventured.

Casper's cold gaze settled on Dillon. "She's the mother of my son. Do you really think I could be indifferent to her well-being?" Dillon fell silent. Was it because Eliza was the kid's mom? Or because his love hadn't really faded? Only Casper knew for sure.

Dillon scratched his nose awkwardly. "Honestly, hearing you say that, it makes me think you're not exactly the loyal type."

"What counts as loyalty? Relentlessly chasing someone? Making them uncomfortable? Or causing them pain and distress? True love, I believe, is wanting to see her happy, free, and unburdened." Love is about letting go, not holding on.

This was the lesson he'd learned over thirty years.

Dillon noticed a sad, dim light in Casper's eyes and suddenly felt he had changed. This change didn't seem impulsive. What was it, then? He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Mr. Casper, won't you regret giving her up? By letting go, you might lose her forever. The little guy might never know you're his father. Are you really okay with that?"

Casper sighed softly. His gaze was deep as he looked out at the bustling cityscape. Amidst the neon lights and nightlife, there seemed to be so many things he couldn't quite grasp. "As long as she's happy, I have no regrets."

Rather than saying he had no regrets, it was more accurate to say he had unfulfilled wishes. He had wanted to start over with her, to make up for his past mistakes, but she wasn't willing to give him that chance.

So much had happened over the years. He thought she must be tired; she needed a peaceful, quiet life. He should grant her that. This way, he could still be there for her as a friend, showing up whenever he missed her. Dillon couldn't fully grasp these deep emotions stirring within Casper. As the head of Welton International, there would always be women around him. If he truly moved on, would he start a new relationship? Then... "Mr. Casper, Ms. Susan is returning to the country."

Casper's dim eyes blinked in surprise. "Who's Susan?"

"When you were twelve, your family and the Torres family arranged a childhood engagement for you two. Ms. Susan turns twenty this year."

A childhood engagement? Arranged when he was twelve? Such absurdity left him both shocked and speechless.

"How do I not remember this?"

Dillon wasn't surprised. It wasNôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

normal for Casper to forget. Shortly after the childhood engagement was arranged the Torres family moved away. And that was for many years. But a couple of years ago, Susan's father called, saying Susan was returning to fulfill the marriage agreement.

He had been holding onto this information for days, unsure how to break the news to Casper. Now that Casper had decided to let go of

moment to bring it up. "Mr. Casper

Eliza, it seemed like the right

I

think this could be an opportunity to start a new relationship. What do you say?"

"Ridiculous. I'm supposed to marry someone I've never met?"

Besides, it wasn't him who made the agreement. Why should he be obliged to fulfill it?

"Mr. Casper, it's not about marrying her right away. Just get to know each other develop some feelings Otherwise, it would reflect poorly on the Welton family. Being called untrustworthy and oath-breakers isn't a good look."