Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Clairessa's POV

Adrian turned his head to look at me, eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I was angry that you cheated on me," I whispered. "So I decided to get even... and I started seeing someone."

Adrian's expression darkened; hurt flashed through his eyes before he quickly masked it. “Okay. So you were with someone while we were apart. If I'm being honest, I kinda suspected it... based on how quickly you seemed ready to move on from us."

He gave a short, shaky breath. "If that's what this big talk is about, then...

Clairessa, that's not a crime. We weren't together. You don't have to beat yourself up over that. We can move on from it."

"Not when you find out who it was..."

Adrian shifted and reached for my hands. "Claire, listen. I don't need to know who the guy is. It doesn't matter."

I stared at him, my throat tightening. "You don't understand—”

"Shhh..." Adrian hushed me gently, pressing two fingers to my lips. "I understand what you're going through. I've carried my own guilt in all of this. And I know you're carrying yours now too."

"This isn't just about guilt," I said, trying to make him understand. "It's about freedom. About finally telling the truth."

He drew back slightly, frowning. "Freedom? For who?"

He stood, putting distance between us.

"What's the point of the truth now, Claire? Will it fix anything? Will it give us peace —or just more pain?"

I rose too, my body tense, voice steady despite the fear tightening my chest.

"Even if it hurts... even if it tears things open again, at least it's real. And maybe if we face it, we can forgive. We can heal."

Adrian turned to me again, something raw flashing in his eyes.

"I don't want to picture you with someone else," he bit out. "I don't want to know what he looks like or how far it went. I don't want that burned into me."

He reached for my hands. "Whatever happened when we were apart—if it helps—

I forgive you. All of it. I just want to move forward. With you."

"Adrian..." My voice barely came out.

He leaned in, his gaze searching my face for permission. "I'm not perfect. You're not either. But I know what I want. I want us."

I slowly released my hands from his.

"I don't know if we can go... back..."

"Then let's not go back," he cut in, his voice urgent, almost pleading. "Let's start over. Don't say no yet. Just... don't shut the door."

I didn't move. Couldn't. Each word he said made the truth harder to speak.

If he knew the full story-knew it was his father I'd been with for months—he

wouldn't be standing here, asking to fix things. In reality, I was trying to save him from what was coming.

I knew in my heart that there was no future for us-not just because of his betrayal, but because I was in love with his father.

That truth was a lot for anyone to take in, and when Adrian found out, I knew he'd lose his mind and curse me out.

It was clear Gabriel was done with me, and leaving felt like the only choice-

walking away from the Storm men and the company, just like he wanted.

A knock at the door made us both flinch.

Gretchen stepped in wearing a cheerful smile. "Dinner's ready. Come on before it gets cold."

Adrian straightened with a grin.

"Thanks, Gretchen. We'll be down in a sec."

As she left, he turned to me again with a smile. "You heard Gretchen. The dinner

we prepared has been served... Let's go eat."

As Adrian and approached the dining area, an overwhelming urge to turn back gripped me. But I knew Adrian wouldn't let me back out now. Not when he was trying so

hard. Not when he looked at me like

we still had a future.

The dining room glowed with soft lighting and quiet luxury. Gretchen had gone above and beyond—white linen, polished silverware, gleaming glassware. It felt more like a cocktail dinner than a family meal.

Gretchen had truly outdone herself. I was beyond impressed-but terrified on the inside about the dinner.

Gabriel was surely going to be attending, since Gretchen had mentioned it. I was terrified about how I was going to face him, especially since I hadn't confessed the truth.

Even though it wasn't my fault,noveldrama

Adrian hadn't given me a chance to

explain, and I knew Gabriel wouldn't

believe me. I couldn't shake the fear that hemight reveal the truth at dinner-in front of Adrian and Gretchen-and that would be a disaster.

My eyes darted around the room, scanning instinctively for him. Gabriel. My pulse

skipped. He wasn't here yet, thankfully.

Adrian pulled out a chair for me, casual but sweet. "Your seat, m'lady."

"Thank you," I whispered, settling in with a slow, drawn-out breath.

He slid into the seat beside me, scanning the room before chuckling. "I guess we're just waiting on his majesty-my dad." He rolled his eyes playfully.

Gretchen, walking past with a tray of appetizers, shot him a playful smirk and a warning glance. "I've informed your father. He'll be here shortly. But please, no teasing."

Adrian, unfazed, leaned back and smirked. "Gotcha, Gretchen," he said with a wink. "Old habits die hard, right?"

Gretchen chuckled softly, crossing her arms. Her stern expression softened just a little. "Adrian, you

time. As the man of the net

know your dad loves to take his

we

must wait patiently for him. please, on your best behavior. Everything must go well tonight."

He laughed and threw his hands up in surrender. "I'll behave."

"You better. Everything must go well tonight." Her tone softened as she glanced between us. "It's been too long since this dining room had you both in it." Adrian gave her a wink. "Missed you too, Gretchen. And all of this... sort of." She shook her head but smiled as she stepped back toward the kitchen.

Adrian nodded, but I could see the glint of mischief in his eyes. He turned to me and leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Are you alright?" he asked. "You look tense."

I startled slightly-had I really been fidgeting that much?

"I'm fine," I replied, offering a weak smile, hoping it was enough to cover the nervousness stirring inside me. I kept stealing glances at the hallway, knowing Gabriel could walk in at any moment.

Adrian's hand reached out to cover mine on the table. "If this is about my dad... being uptight... relax. I promise tonight, he'll get to know the real you, and I'll make sure of it."

Just then, Gabriel walked in, his commanding presence undeniable.

I swiftly withdrew my hand from Adrian's, the room suddenly charged with an intensity I couldn't ignore.

My eyes locked onto Gabriel. He was dressed in black pants and a black shirt that clung to his muscular frame, his jaw freshly shaven, his dark hair shining and slicked back.

But it was his eyes that held me captive, piercing into me as he stood at the head of the table.

His gaze was fierce... dark. It reminded me of the man I had met that night at the club—the one I'd been drawn to despite Jesse's warning to back off, saying he was dangerous. I went after him anyway...

Adrian straightened with a grin, his voice echoing just enough to draw the room's attention. “His royal majesty, Gabriel Storm, graces us with his presence.” Gretchen shot him an admonishing look, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Adrian quickly adjusted, his playful demeanor giving way to something more serious.

"Dad. It's good to finally have you here for dinner."

Gabriel gave a small nod-silent, unsmiling.

The sweet, tender Gabriel I had come to know and fall in love with the one who

made me melt with every kiss, who touched me like I was the only woman meant for him-was gone.

In his place stood the cold, impenetrable man I used to know-the one who shut me out without explanation. The one who had returned.