His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon believed that helping someone find love was better than building a seven-story pagoda.

Casper, though, wasn't buying it. Romance was the last thing on his mind.

"How about this: you marry her. I'll handle the wedding and even throw in a two-million-dollar dowry. What do you say?"

Dillon knew Casper was just messing around. He quickly waved his hands, "Mr. Casper, she's here for you, not for me. Besides, I'm a lifelong bachelor. I'm planning to stick around you forever."

"Really?" Casper eyed the man who'd been by his side for years, sizing him up. "A lifelong bachelor? I thought you had a thing for Caroline."

"Mr. Casper," Dillon was scared stiff, breaking into a cold sweat, "That's not a joke you can make lightly. If Ms. Caroline gets the wrong idea, I might not have legs to stand on."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Casper: ... Playing dumb.

As if he didn't know anything.

"You better not become my brother-in-law, or I might just break your legs myself."

Dillon instinctively touched his legs... Determined to keep them intact.

Audrey walked in from outside, holding Brock in her arms, her face glowing with gentle affection. All her love for Brock was written in her eyes as she looked at him. Over the past days, she had poured everything into this little guy. Brock had become the apple of her eye, her whole world of joy.

"Mr. Casper!" Brock spotted Casper sitting in the living room and wriggled out of Audrey's arms, racing into Casper's embrace. "Mr. Casper, did you miss Brock?"

His bright, sparkling eyes were full of

hope as he looked at Casper. The tight lines on Casper's face softened the moment he saw Brock. He gently stroked Brock's head, his voice filled with affection, "Of course I missed you. How could I not?"

His gaze revealed an unintentional paternal love, full of tenderness and care. Brock, delighted by Casper's words, hugged Casper's neck tightly, pressing his little face against Kis, and said in his childish voice," missed Mr. Casper too."

Casper smiled at Brock, feeling a surge of emotion he hadn't felt in a long time. He had never truly understood what it felt like to be a father. And now, with the little guy in his arms, he found himself nearly moved to tears. He gently patted Brock's back, softly saying, "Then why don't you stay here for a while longer, okay?"

Brock nodded, then shook his head, his innocent eyes revealing a mix of emotions, "I also want to be with Mom."

Casper felt a sudden squeeze in his heart. This has always been a dilemma. After a couple separates it's always the children who get hurt the most. Not having been a father, he hadn't felt it. But now, as a father, he suddenly realized how cruel it was.

"Then let's invite Mom to stay for a bit."

"Mom has to take care of Grandpa." Brock, though young, had a trace of worry on his small face, "Mr. Casper, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Let's hear it." Casper leaned in slightly, his gaze gently meeting Brock's.

"Can you help me find my dad?" The little guy's eyes, filled with childlike wonder, sparkled with hope.

Casper felt something tug at his heart, keeping his voice calm, "Why do you want to find your dad?"

"With Dad, Mom won't have to work so hard. Dad can help take care of Grandpa and me. In Brock's heart, Mom still needs protection, needs someone to care for her, just like a little girl."