His Destructive, Toxic Love

"David, I think I need to go back to Oak Falls for a bit. I'm really worried about Brock."

When David walked in and saw Eliza packing her things, he wasn't surprised. "It's a good idea to check in on him. I'll come with you."Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

"You need to take care of the professor. I can handle it on my own," Eliza replied, thinking this wasn't the right time for David to leave Falconridge.

David glanced at her, his eyes a mix of shyness and determination. "I mean, now that you're Valerie, you don't have any ties to Casper anymore. Maybe it's better to bring Brock back to Falconridge. We can take care of him together." Eliza blinked, her long lashes fluttering. "David, you..."

"What I mean is, I hope you can start a new life. My parents and I want you to forget the past. They'll love you, understand you, and they'll adore Brock too." Eliza was taken aback. What does that even mean? Is he trying to turn this fake engagement into something real? She had never thought of David that way. "David, we..."

David suddenly took her slightly cold hand, looking at her earnestly. "I know the engagement is fake, but my concern for you has always been real. Everything you've been through, I feel it too. It hurts me, and I want to bring warmth into your life. Give me a chance, give yourself a chance. Please?"

Eliza was momentarily stunned. She hadn't thought about remarrying. She had lost faith in marriage. Even with Carter and Amaya, who adored her, she wasn't sure she could make it work. If there were no children involved, maybe she would consider it. But she had Brock. She didn't want to wrong anyone, especially her own child.

"David, I really..."

"I know this is all so sudden. And I know Casper still tries to entangle himself with you, openly and secretly. But it doesn't matter. I'm not afraid of competition or his power. I'm confident I can give you a good life, a warm home for Brock."

Something felt off to Eliza. David wanted a marriage, but she wanted a peaceful life.

"David, I haven't thought about getting married again." Her tone was soft, hoping he'd understand.

David knew it was hard for her to accept everything at once and didn't push her. "I get it. You've been hurtin love, betrayed in marriage. But not everyone is the same, and not all men are alike. We've known each other for years. You know I'm not the kind to love frivolously."

From any perspective, David was a catch. And that's why she felt her brokenness didn't deserve him.

Eliza didn't say anything. David didn't want to push her too hard and gently said, "Think about what I've said. I'll come with you to Oak Falls today, okay?" Eliza nodded, agreeing.

After packing up, she and David were ready to leave. As they opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of a man standing outside.

Eliza was momentarily taken aback. Casper's face visibly darkened upon seeing them together.

"Were you two together last night?"

Eliza knew Casper's temper all too well. He was quick to throw punches. Back in the day, Aaron had taken his fair share of beatings. She didn't want Casper's fists landing on David's face.

"We..."

She tried to explain, but David smoothly wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his tone slightly challenging. "We're engaged now. Isn't it normal for fiancés to live together?"