His Destructive, Toxic Love

She flipped through the photo album, pointing out each page to Eliza. "Check out this bohemian style, the tropical jungle adventure theme, and we've even got skydiving and scuba diving shots."

Eliza shook her head. Maybe it was her age, but all of it seemed too over-the-top for her taste. She was after a set of photos that were dignified and elegant. "These aren't really my style," she said.

"Mrs. Welton, if you have a specific vision in mind, just let us know. We'll make sure you get photos you absolutely love," the staff member assured her, with a patience and attentiveness that was hard to miss.

Eliza nodded, sharing her thoughts. "I don't need a ton of photos, just ones that will still look beautiful ten or twenty years down the line. Timeless wedding photos."

"Absolutely, Mrs. Welton," the staff member replied confidently.

Just then, Daniel and a young starlet named Kate strolled into the bridal shop, hand in hand, laughing and flirting. Eliza was the first to notice them, her eyes drawn to Kate.

The woman was about 5'5" with high heels, her legs long and slender beneath a bodycon dress. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and she had a youthful look that could easily stir a protective instinct in men.

Eliza turned to Casper, who was still engrossed in the albums, oblivious to the

newcomers.

"Mr. Casper," Daniel called out, approaching with enthusiasm, "Long time no see! What brings you here today?"noveldrama

As Daniel's eyes landed on Eliza, she caught a glimpse of surprise and embarrassment in them. He was either shocked that she and Casper were still together or reminded of Renee.

"Mr. Casper, you and your wife have been married for ages. Why are you just getting wedding photos now?"

"We've been busy all these years, planning the ceremony for next year, so we're here for some pictures," Casper replied, his tone distant, not even sparing a glance for Kate.

Kate, meanwhile, was fixated on Casper, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. Eliza noticed as she subtly brushed against Casper as she walked by.

Eliza stood up, walked over to Casper, and linked her arm with his. "Casper," she said softly.

"My wife, Eliza," he introduced her to Daniel, "you've met before."

"Mrs. Welton, still as stunning as ever," Daniel said, barely able to meet Eliza's eyes, "you haven't changed a bit."

Eliza looked at him with disdain, then turned her scornful gaze to Kate. "Daniel, you've changed quite a bit, from a devoted husband to a starlet's companion."

Daniel, aware of his own faults, struggled to keep his composure. He forced a smile. "Renee and I..."

"You don't need to explain Renee and you to me. I remember when first met you, Renee's eyes were full of hope, thinking she'd found her forever. But it turns out, even deep love can't fend off a homewrecker."

Hearing Eliza's biting words, Kate sneered. "Mrs. Welton, your words are harsh. In love, the real 'other woman' is the one who's not loved. Now, Cole loves me."

"Kate, you're shameless," Eliza retorted coldly, her eyes piercing "Turning the wrecking of someone else's marriage into some kind of mutual love story. Where's your shame?"

"You..." The starlet's expression shifted.

Daniel quickly took Kate by the hand. "Mr. Casper, Mrs. Welton, I have some

things to attend to, so we'll be off. Let's chat another day."

He hurriedly led her out, not lingering a moment longer in the bridal shop.

"Looking like an innocent angel but doing such dirty deeds," Eliza muttered, turning to Casper with irritation. "Why didn't you say something to her? What's going on in that head of yours?"