His Destructive, Toxic Love novel Chapter 729

It was supposed to be a lovely hike. Who would have thought it would turn into such a fiasco? Total buzzkill. The news of Kate’s murder spread like wildfire through Falconridge, and soon it seemed like everyone was talking about it. Even Eliza, who'd had a bit of a spat with Kate before, got pulled into the police station for questioning more times than she could count. But despite all the chatter, the investigation was going nowhere. It was like some phantom had done Kate in.

Eliza was wrapped up in work, while Casper was knee-deep in planning their post-New Year wedding. The kids were about to start their winter break, too. Amidst the chaos, Eliza found a moment to meet up with Renee and hand over her wedding invitation.

“Are you really tying the knot?” Renee marveled at the gold-embossed invite, featuring the couple’s wedding photo brimming with happiness and romance. “That’s wonderful. Every woman deserves a spectacular wedding at least once.”

“Honestly, the whole wedding thing isn’t a big deal for me,” Eliza said, her words genuine and unpretentious. “My parents are gone. Who’s really going to share in my joy?”

“Don’t say that.” Renee’s eyes softened as she looked at Eliza. “Having someone who’s willing to change and truly love you is a rare kind of happiness.”

The conversation shifted naturally. Eliza couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going on with you and Daniel?”

“The divorce is dragging on.” Renee had long since given up any hope for Daniel. “Even with Kate out of the picture, his heart’s not in it anymore. Even if he comes back, there’s no guarantee he won’t fall for someone else. Once a guy’s heart strays, divorce is just around the corner.”

“I thought he’d have learned a lesson from everything with Kate.”

Renee shook her head, a touch of sadness in her eyes. “He doesn’t come home, we don’t talk. I don’t care what he thinks anymore. All I want is child support and my share of the property, and then I’m done with him. His affairs don’t interest me.”

Nothing’s more heartbreaking than indifference. Maybe that’s just how it goes. Renee felt her situation was just too bleak.

Switching gears, she said, “I’ll make sure to get this invitation to Sunny and Hallie. They’ve been keeping their distance ever since they accidentally hurt Casper trying to stick up for you.”

“Thank you.”

After parting with Renee, Eliza headed back towards her car. She hadn’t reached it yet when she heard someone call her name, “Eliza.”

She stopped and turned around slowly, squinting against the soft yet blinding sunlight. A familiar figure gradually came into view.

The man quickened his pace, covering the distance to her in a few strides, his lips curling into a gentle smile. “It’s been ages. Have you forgotten an old friend?”

“Gabe?” Her voice was a mix of surprise and delight. “What a coincidence, I didn’t expect to see you here.”