His Destructive, Toxic Love novel Chapter 508

"Relationships between men and women don't have to be one-dimensional; we can definitely be great friends. If you ever need help, I'm here for you."

"Thank you," she replied, unsure of what else to say.

Manuel took the rejection gracefully, without any hint of awkwardness.

He got up, smiling as he said goodbye, "You must be exhausted. I'll head out now. Let's grab a meal sometime soon, and feel free to invite the baby's father."

"Alright."

She walked him out, watching as he left, a sigh slipping from her lips.

As she turned to go back upstairs, she noticed Casper standing by the car.

He... hadn't left yet?

She paused, looking at him, "Why are you still here?"

"I saw him go upstairs," he replied, flicking a half-smoked cigarette to the ground and gently crushing it underfoot.

Eliza frowned slightly, "So what?"

Deep down, she hoped Casper wouldn't get jealous over nothing.

That would only snuff out the little spark they had just started to rekindle. If things soured, all their talk about starting fresh would become meaningless.

She gazed at him, instinctively stepping back as he moved closer.

"What are you afraid of?" His tall frame naturally cast her in his shadow, but his expression wasn't as serious as usual; it seemed to carry a hint of a smile. "Afraid I'll blow up? Get jealous? Say something you'll find unpleasant?"

Eliza met his eyes.

It was hard to discern if the smile in his eyes was genuine or just a tactic.

"If you really don't get mad over nothing, I'd say you've grown."

He didn't know whether to laugh or bow in appreciation.

Either way, she was complimenting him.

"Thank you for the praise, ma'am. I'll keep working on being a husband who doesn't lose his cool over small stuff—someone who's reasonable and calm."