His Destructive, Toxic Love

Kate was out on the lake, rowing with a boatman who was way more skilled than Casper. Before long, their boats drifted close. "Casper, what a small world," she called out.

"Who's your brother? Kate, you can't just call every guy 'brother.' Folks might think you're up to something strange," Casper said with a chuckle.

Kate's face flushed, clearly feeling wronged, tears welling up in her eyes. "Mrs. Welton, do you always talk like this?"

Eliza cleared her throat, "Oh, are you gonna cry now? Casper, she's about to shed some tears for you. How's that make you feel?"

Casper shrugged, rowing with more vigor. "What does it have to do with me? Hang on tight, honey, we're heading back."

As their boat pulled away, Kate felt a deep sting of humiliation. "Mr. Smith, go ahead and ram that boat up there."

The rower was taken aback. "What? Ram 'em? We're in the middle of the lake! If something goes wrong, who's gonna take the fall?"

"I will," Kate insisted, transferring $150 to him on her phone. "Do it, just like I said."

But the rower wasn't buying it. "I'm not risking my job-or my life-for that. Whatever beef you've got, sort it out on land."

Kate fumed at the rower's defiance. "If it's about the cash, name your price."

He shook his head. "It's not about the money."

"Fine, I'll do it myself," Kate snapped, snagging the oar and rowing with determination. She wasn't a pro, but the wind was on her side, making it manageable.

Seeing Casper snapping photos of Eliza, Kate pushed harder, steering her boat right into theirs. Eliza, taking pictures from the bow, was caught off guard by the impact She lost her balance and plunged into the chilly water.

Casper dropped his phone in a flash, ready to dive in and help. But Kate beat him

to it, jumping in first. Without hesitating, he followed.

Eliza, after a few gulps of water, was grabbed by Kate, who was determined to help. "I've got you," Kate assured her, pulling her towards the boat.

Casper pushed Kate aside, wrapping Eliza in his arms, and swiftly got her back on board, racing to the hotel.

Kate was hauled back onto the boat too, shivering uncontrollably. The rower stared at her, bewildered. Wasn't she causing trouble? And now she was saving people?

Back at the hotel, Casper helped Eliza out of her wet clothes and into a warm bath. His concern was evident. "Are you alright? You scared me."

Eliza, a bit confused like the rower, replied, "I can swim, you know. But what's Kate's deal? Why rescue me after she caused the mess?"noveldrama

Casper just shook his head. As long as Eliza was safe, he didn't want to dwell on it. "Just warm up, okay?" he said, holding her hand, worried she might catch a cold. "I completely forgot you could swim."

"I'm okay," Eliza assured him. After soaking in the tub, she finally felt the warmth return. Casper had the hotel whip up some ginger tea. Once she drank it and broke a sweat, she felt much better.

The doorbell rang. Casper went to open it and found Kate standing there, bundled

in a thick coat, her hair still wet, looking like a drenched kitten.

"Casper, is Ms. Eliza okay? I was terrified for her, so I jumped in right away. Was she scared?"