His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Chapter 530

"Yeah, I've caught wind of some troubling stuff and got worried about you..." His eyes were full of concern, and he gave a slight, tense smile. "But you seem to be doing alright."

"Those who are gone are gone, and the rest of us have to keep on living," she said, trying to smile but not quite managing it.

Manuel nodded, his voice gentle, "If there's ever anything you need, just say the word. I'm here to help."

"Thanks."

Michael had been sneaking a listen from the kitchen. Once Manuel wrapped up his polite goodbyes and left, Michael emerged.

"This guy's got a crush on you, huh?"

Eliza shrugged it off, "Just a blind date."

"A blind date?"

No way, she actually went on blind dates? When did that happen?

"Before I decided to give it another shot with Casper," she clarified.

on the couch with such enthusiasm that he nearly bounced her off. "This guy seems like quite the catch. Meeting someone like him on a blind date? You've got some serious luck." "Lucky, but not in the ways

this guy's cool with being a stepdad, maybe it's

"Yeah, right."

the idea of him stepping in to help raise her two kids seemed far-fetched. With all his options, why

he might be up for

this, I might as well..." Eliza let her eyes land playfully on Michael, "...drag

That's hardly a burden. Just a couple of kids." He puffed

eyes, "Forget I said

Michael said,

Manuel. It was full of encouraging words, carefully chosen and as polite as could be. She typed back a quick thank you and

weeks before getting ready to head back to France. Right before he

hesitated, "I have

about that. This

pressed the card into her hand, holding it firmly. "Try

When you're ready, talk

his dad. He's young and needs time to understand.

taking care of yourself, alright?"

felt a lump in

goofing around, but e when it counted, he never let anyone down He was smart,