Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle 42% The past week had been long and grueling. I spent every moment working with Nicole on the Gemia project- endless days and even longer nights. We were both terrified Gabriel might reject our designs and ideas again. He'd already threatened to pull us off the project, and I couldn't afford for that to happen. So, I pushed aside every ounce of frustration and resentment I felt toward Nicole, at least until the project was done.

Gabriel had been right about one thing-Nicole was smart. I had to give her credit for that. She was quick-witted, and under different circumstances, maybe we could've been friends. But knowing she had no problem being with a man who already had a girlfriend made it clear we didn't share the svalues. Not that it mattered now.

The presentation was only days away, and I was determined not to let Gabriel down again. We were halfway through finalizing the designs and ideas, and I wanted everything to be perfect. More than that, I wanted to blow Gabriel away so there'd be no room for doubt about the project.

I hadn't seen Gabriel in person all week, but earlier today, I received an email from Tems.

Subject: Award Ceremony Invitation Sender: Tems Mr. Storm would like to invite you to an award ceremony tonight at 7pm Please note: It's a black-tie event.

A driver will pick you up from your house and hand you your invitation card, which will serve as your entry pass. Be ready.

My heart skipped a beat. Was Gabriel invitingas his date? Were other staff members going to be there? I had no idea what to expect. My mind spun with questions, but I didn't have any answers.

O ||| 1/6 < 18:52 Wed, 19 Feb 5.

Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle ☐☐☐☐ 42%- Since signing the contract, Gabriel had made it clear I was at his beck and call. For the next year, he essentially owned my time. As much as I hated losing my independence and free time, I couldn't deny I was grateful for the 400% salary increase.

Although it felt hypocritical after how hard I'd fought him on it, it wasn't entirely my fault. I was raised by strict parents who taughtthat nothing in life was free. I needed to know exactly what Gabriel expected in return for that raise.

But the truth was, I needed every penny. My car was falling apart, and last week, my mom called asking for help with a loan payment. That was when I learned my parents were struggling with their mortgage. I'd sent them all my savings, which leftbroke again. The raise had cat the perfect time.

But as I stared at the email, one anxiety-inducing thought hit me: *What am I going to wear?* A black-tie event? I couldn't afford to look out of place.

I rummaged through my closet, pulling out dress after dress, but nothing looked elegant enough. Everything I owned was either work-appropriate or casual. Frustrated, I slumped onto my bed until an idea struck me-Jess. She always knew what to do in situations like this.

When I arrived at the venue, I was completely awestruck. The place was stunning-grand and filled with famous, influential people. Flashing cameras captured guests on the red carpet, and I immediately felt out of my depth.

Jess had cthrough forwith an emerald green gown that shimmered under the lights, hugging my body perfectly. It was a Dolce & Gabbana dress she'd worn once, a gift from one of her wealthy admirers. I had 0 +x x+ FREE ||| < 2/6 ************** in my his but tonight, hooked like I belonged.

Acity and my invitation and letin. The moment I stepped inside, I realized just A ever more banner read Annual Philanthropy Awards. Gabriel was being honored Awght. That part bat Pentioned in the email N wwwxxxam for him, but Gabriel was nowhere to be seen. Feeling slightly out of place, I tried to Awad in the soft and background chatter calm my nerves. Then, a familiar voice called out NANNY The sound of Gabriel's voice sent a shiver through me. I turned and lost my breath. He was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, perfectly tailored to his lean, athletic frame. His dark hair was slicked back, and though his beard was freshly trimmed, it still gave him that rugged charm. He looked... incredible.

"Come, let's sit,” he extended his arm. My fingers slid into his, and warmth spread through me. As we walked side by side, I could feel the eyes of the room on us, I wasn't sure if it was because he was the man of the night or because I was with him.

Sensing my discomfort, Gabriel pulledcloser, his hand tightening around mine. "You look beautiful tonight," he whispered, his breath brushing against my ear, sending another wave of heat through me.

I managed a smile. "Thank you." Gabriel guidedto our table and began introducingto the other guests-people I'd only read about in business magazines. Jonathan, the CEO of a top tech firm, Rebecca, a high-powered charity board member. I smiled politely and shook hands, trying to ignore how out of place I felt. Their conversations flowed effortlessly - from million-dollar donations to private island getaways-while I sat quietly, feeling like an outsider.

Noticing my unease, Gabriel placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

O Q O ||| 3/6 18:52 Wed, Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle I nodded, forcing a smile. How could I explain the gap I felt between their world and mine? I was just a junior software engineer. Sitting among CEOs and philanthropists madefeel insignificant.

Rebecca turned her attention to me. "So, Clairessa, is it? What exactly do you do for Gabriel?" "I work as a-" "She works closely with me," Gabriel cut in, his tone firm. "That's all you need to know." Rebecca's lips curved into a sly smile. "Well, you must be very talented to work so closely with Gabriel. You seem quite young to have risen so quickly." Gabriel responded before I could. "She's young, yes, but incredibly talented and dedicated." I felt like a spectator in a conversation about myself. Was Gabriel ashamed of me? Did he think I couldn't hold my own? His reaction only madefeel more out of place. Why had he even invitedif he didn't trustto speak for myself? Rebecca leaned closer to Gabriel, her hand brushing his. "When are you coming back to the villa?" she asked, her tone suggestive.

Gabriel pulled his hand back subtly. "Sometsoon,” he replied politely, but she didn't take the hint. Jealousy burned inas her laughter filled the room. Rebecca was stunning and clearly belonged in Gabriel's world -a world I didn't. I hated how small and unimportant I felt compared to her.

The host took the stage, officially starting the event. After a musical performance, the host spoke: “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've been waiting for. Please welcGabriel Storm." 4/6 FREE ||| O < Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle The room erupted in applause as Gabriel stood. A projector displayed clips of his philanthropy- scholarships, libraries, workshops in underserved communities.

Gabriel stepped forward, but before he left, Rebecca pulled him back and kissed his cheek. I stiffened, feeling out of place all over again. I couldn't compete with women like her, who fit so effortlessly into his world.

As Gabriel spoke, I saw a different side of him. He wasn't just a powerful CEO-he was someone who cared deeply about giving back. Watching him command the room, I felt a new sense of admiration. When he returned to the table, I smiled up at him. "Congratulations, Mr. Storm." His eyes softened. "Thank you, Clairessa." Rebecca raised her glass. "A toast to Gabriel-to his big heart."

I raised mine reluctantly, but Gabriel m leaned in, clinking his glass against mine "Toast with me, Clairessa," he murmured.

"To you," I said softly. "And your heart."

Gabriel's smile widened, as he whispered. "Did I mention.