His Destructive, Toxic Love novel Chapter 140

"It's not something very valuable," he said.

"Really, Aaron, I appreciate the thought," she replied, feeling so awkward that she clasped her hands behind her back.

Aaron's face fell, his eyes losing some of their sparkle. "It won't be a burden; I picked the cheapest one. I don't need anything in return. Can't you just accept it?"

He looked almost pitiful.

Eliza felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Was she being too cold? It was just a birthday gift, after all.

"Aaron, please don't be like this... I... I'll accept it, but promise me you won't get me anything next time."

She brought the box in front of her and looked at Aaron, who was still standing. "Aaron, please sit down."

A spark returned to Aaron's eyes. "Open it. I think girls like this kind of thing."

Girls? She was hardly a girl anymore.

Eliza pursed her lips and smiled. "Alright."

Inside was a music box. Made of crystal, completely transparent, with a small figure of a girl playing a harp at its center. The music playing was a famous harp piece.

It was indeed a surprise. Music boxes were common, but one with a harp-playing girl was truly rare.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.

Eliza couldn't deny it; she genuinely liked it. "This must have been hard to find, right?"

"Not at all. It was quite easy," he said, fearing she might refuse.

"Thank you, Aaron. I really like your birthday gift."

Eliza set down the music box and cut a slice of cake, handing it to Aaron. "Aaron, have some cake."

Casper's sudden appearance caught both Eliza and Aaron off guard. The rare smile on his face felt to Eliza like a harbinger of trouble.

"Is it someone's birthday today?" he said, smiling as he glanced at Eliza and then at Aaron. "I remember your birthday is in spring, Dr. Martin. So that means..."

His gaze hardened as he turned to Eliza. "...my dear wife, celebrating your birthday, are you?"

"Casper, I just happened to meet Eliza. Don't misunderstand this situation," Aaron said, visibly anxious, trying to explain.

Casper's gaze fell on the beautiful cake in front of them. It had a Barbie doll design. Truly captivating.

"This cake looks pretty good."

He dipped his finger into the icing and brought it to his lips for a taste. "Hmm, indeed, not bad."

He leaned in, his lips close to Eliza's ear. "Mrs. Welton, such refined taste you have. You’re celebrating your birthday, a big occasion, not with your own husband but with another man. Is your husband dead? Or perhaps you two plan to hop into bed together after the celebrations?"