Chapter 85 A date

Chapter 85 A date
There was no way Michelle wanted to be near Caspian, even if she would not say so out loud. "This is not about you," she told him.

Caspian looked right at her, knowing it was a lie. It was his own fault that this was all he got from her now. He laid it out for her.

"I looked into your life. I have people watching you. Your biggest offices are right here. The only reason you are in Los Angeles is because of me."

Michelle's face shifted as she realized he saw right through her. Every word from him made it clearer that she needed to keep her distance.

"Your fashion brands do not need you there in person. Your films are made all over the world. You could work from any place you want."

"What are you trying to say?" Michelle asked, her voice flat. Caspian let himself remember the way she used to smile for him, every single time, right up until the night she ended their marriage.

He did not mind sounding desperate. His own stupidity had cost him a good woman, and he knew deep down she deserved more than him.

She deserved a man who would treat her like royalty, and Caspian knew he had forfeited that right. He kept talking.

"If I decide to go after you, Elara, miles will not matter. I can purchase the home beside yours. I can move my new offices next door. I could follow you, anytime, to any place."

His voice was quiet but every word felt heavy and real. Michelle was stunned. In the old days, she was the one begging for a scrap of his time.

"You would abandon everything just to follow me?" The idea made her chest feel tight.

The last thing she needed was her ex-husband tracking her down after all these years of hard-won peace.

Michelle could not do this anymore. It felt like Caspian had lost his mind. "Your two minutes are over."

Caspian raised his wrist to check the time. "I still have five seconds. Elara, you do not have to flee because of me. I understand I am not good enough for you. But I am asking you to stay."

Looking at him, Michelle knew some answers were better not given.

Caspian would absolutely do every single thing he promised. But without a word from her, the not knowing would drive him insane, wondering if she would bolt or if she would hold her ground.

"Your time is up. Goodbye." Michelle pulled the door open and nearly walked right into Rush.

"I was just coming to find you," Rush said quickly. He had started timing the moment she went into the office and his timing was perfect.

"Right on schedule. Let us go," Michelle said. Then she remembered she had wanted to ask Madison something personal.

"Madison, are you joining us? We have not had a chance to talk."

Madison looked at her, sorry. "I wish I could, but I honestly never pictured myself working here, at a time like this. If you are free tomorrow, tell me, and I will make it my priority."

She spoke softly, so Caspian would not hear. "Alright. I will make time for you tomorrow," Michelle said, meaning it. They really needed to talk about Lake. Certain things were not sitting right with her.

She took one step away and then stopped at a voice she knew too well.

"Michelle, I will come see you tomorrow. Please save some time for me," Sebastian said.

Michelle gave a tired smile and shook her head. "Please, Seb, just let me be."

Sebastian did not back down. "You listened to Caspian. Can I not have two minutes as well?"

His push made a headache start pounding behind Michelle's eyes. "What do you want?"

Sebastian felt bold because of his father's position, so he was direct. "A date, Michelle. Just one. For my father, please. Go out with me this weekend."

His question made everyone look over, surprised he would ask so openly. Caspian's jaw was clenched so hard it ached. It looked like Sebastian had just played a much better hand.