His Destructive, Toxic Love

Manuel gently lifted his hand to calm her jittery nerves. "It's me, don't worry."

Eliza's heart was pounding in her chest. It was the fact that it was him that made her anxious. He really showed up at the hospital. Was he here to check if she lost the baby? The Manuel she once thought was kind-hearted and gentle now filled her with dread and disgust. At this moment, she was genuinely afraid of him. Unconsciously, she hugged her slightly swollen belly tighter.

"What's the matter?" he asked, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he reached out to touch her forehead. "Did you have a nightmare? Your forehead is all sweaty. Do you want me to wipe it off?"

"You... why are you here? How did you know I was in the hospital?" Eliza's voice shook, betraying her fear of him.

"I swung by your place and bumped into your neighbors. They mentioned you weren't feeling well and came to the hospital yesterday," he replied, his eyes still filled with that same old concern and worry. "What happened?"

He had just been at her place yesterday. And today, again? Was he just checking if she was eating well, if she had come to the hospital? Eliza's gaze wandered. "Did you need something when you came to my house?"

"I thought you might be low on fresh fruit, so I picked some up for you. But since you weren't home..." he gestured towards the fruit he had set aside, "I brought it here instead."

His words flowed out so naturally. Eliza looked into his eyes, but all she saw was suspicion.

"Really?"

"Yeah," he nodded earnestly, his concern clear as day while he looked at her lying in the hospital bed. "Your neighbors didn't fill me in on why you're here. Are you okay?"

"It's nothing, just a bout of low blood sugar," she replied, her eyes locked on his face, convinced that Manuel was playing dumb.

Before, she couldn't outsmart Casper, and now, with Manuel, who seemed like a wolf in sheep's clothing, she felt the same. What had the world come to?

Manuel didn't buy her explanation,

but he didn't call her out either. He just gave a soft smile. "Eliza, is

something bothering you? I

mentioned changing our relationship, but don't feel

ovel

pressured. Take your time to think about it. I'm not in a rush

Eliza closed her eyes. If mind games weren't her strong suit, she'd go with sincerity. Her eyes welled up as she looked at the man in front of her, who appeared sincere and kind, and she let out a bitter laugh. "M Manuel, a real gem, aren't you? I'm not worthy."

He was caught off guard by her change in tone. His expression shifted slightly. "Eliza, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Mr. Manuel, you've crafted such a flawless persona. This can't just be about wanting me to lose the baby, can it?"

She had no idea what other secrets he was hiding. Whatever he intended to do must be more than just that. But they had only met on a blind date...

No. Now it seemed that blind date wasn't just a simple meet-up.

"What's your real reason for coming into my life?"

His brow furrowed, showing genuine confusion and surprise. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Miscarriage, persona-Eliza, what are you saying?"novelbin

"You don't understand?" Eliza's pale

lips quivered as she ridiculed his poor acting. "You know exactly what I mean, Manuel. I almost miscarried because of the formula you brought. Can you honestly say you knew nothing about it? Can you say you didn't tamper with it?"

He was taken aback for a moment. Those few seconds were enough to suggest he was behind it all. But he didn't admit it right away. Instead, he feigned hurt and disappointment, letting out a small, sad smile. "Why should I admit to something I didn't do?"