His Destructive, Toxic Love

[Chelsea, I've snagged us a reservation at the top-floor restaurant at Falconridge Tower. Let's celebrate tonight, just the two of us,] Eliza said with a soft smile. Chelsea remembered it was Eliza's birthday. [It's your birthday today. We definitely need to celebrate.]

[Then... see you tonight.]

[Alright, see you tonight.]

Chelsea had gone out of her way to order Eliza's favorite Barbie-themed birthday cake. The doll looked stunning in a sparkling white dress with a tiny tiara, surrounded by colorful rainbow candies. The top-floor restaurant at Falconridge Tower was a spot reserved for the elite. When Eliza was younger, she used to come here often. But after returning to the Pinotti family, she hadn't been back. Chelsea placed a crown-shaped birthday hat on Eliza's head and lit the candles. "Come on, make a wish!"

Eliza clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. After making her wish, Eliza blew out the candles and noticed a man not far away.

Aaron was equally surprised and walked over. "What a coincidence. It's your birthday today?"

Aaron's sudden appearance took both Eliza and Chelsea by surprise.

"Are you here for dinner?" Chelsea stood up, her face adorned with a soft smile. "Today is Elle's birthday. We're celebrating."

Aaron's gaze lingered on Eliza for a moment. "I... I'll step out for a bit."

Aaron turned and walked away.

Chelsea blinked and looked at Eliza. "Why did he leave?"

"Must be something urgent," Eliza shrugged.

Eliza adored the birthday cake Chelsea had bought. Her eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Chelsea, you've done so much for me," Eliza said gratefully, holding Chelsea's hand. "I just made a wish about you."

"What did you wish for?" Chelsea asked, genuinely intrigued. She teased, "You better not have wished for something crazy. If it comes true, it could really mess things up."

"Of course not! I wished for love to

blossom all around you," Eliza said, knowing she might never find happiness herself. "I hoped you would find someone who loved you deeply, have a never-endingProperty of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

romance, and live a happy life. And maybe have a few kids that I could help you raise."

"Not a chance Nf you want kids, have your own," Chelsea replied, holding Eliza's slightly cold hand. "Elle, there's still a chance for your health to improve. Once you and Casper are divorced, I'll find you the best doctor. You'll get better."

Eliza had lost hope. She had already lost trust in men. After the divorce, she probably wouldn't remarry. Whether she could have children didn't matter to her anymore.

"Let's not dwell on this," she said, cutting a piece of cake and handing it to Chelsea. "Come on, let's eat cake."

"Alright."

Just as Chelsea took a bite of the cake, her phone rang. She glanced at it, her pupils dilating slightly, then quickly turned it off and stuffed it into her pocket. "Elle, I need to use the restroom and will check on our food on the way."

"Okay."

No sooner had Chelsea left than Aaron hurried back, panting.

"Aaron?"

Sweat beaded on Aaron's forehead. He handed Eliza a beautifully wrapped square box. "A birthday gift for you."

"Did you... go to buy this just now?"

Aaron nodded with a smile. "Open it and see."

Eliza was hesitant to accept it. Accepting it meant she'd have to reciprocate when it was his birthday. She wasn't keen on engaging in such social exchanges. She pushed the box back towards him, apologizing, "Aaron, you really didn't have to go to all this trouble."