Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules Gabriel's POV I scanned the room, my eyes instinctively searching for Clairessa. She had excused herself to the restroom, but it had been a while, and she hadn't returned. Something about her abrupt exit worried me.

Adjusting my cufflinks, I noticed movement on the far side of the room. My son, Adrian, was speaking to a woman. She had curly brown hair and wore an emerald-green gown that shimmered under the lights, remindingof Clairessa. For a moment, I thought it was her.

But something felt off. I couldn't be sure.

I moved toward them, my pace quickening, needing to confirm. As I neared, the woman turned and disappeared into the crowd. Adrian stepped in front of me, blocking my view.

"Adrian. I thought I saw you speaking with..." My voice trailed off, my eyes glancing over his shoulder still trying to pick out the figure in the dim lighting.

"Dad..." Adrian called softly, pulling my focus back to him. "You sawspeaking with who?" "Never mind." I placed a hand on his shoulder, convincing myself it couldn't have been Clairessa. There were plenty of women here with brown hair and sparkly gowns. "I'm just glad you made it tonight. Late as always, though." "Dad, I'm sorry," he said, sincerity in his voice. "The restaurant was packed, and my head chef called in sick. I had to step in." O C x+ +x O FREE ||| O < 1/7 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules "I know. I'm really sorry." His tone was genuine.

"That's fine. You're here now, and that's what matters," I said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "There are speople I'd like you to meet." Adrian's expression dimmed. “Dad, about that...I can't stay long." I frowned. "You just got here. That's not fair, Adrian." "I know, but I have to get back to the restaurant. I could only spare a little time." 42% "Excuses," That's all I hear from you these days." I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice. "You've known about this ceremony for months. You could have planned better. As always, you're absent when I need you most." Adrian looked away, guilt etched in his features. He was the one person I could be vulnerable with. We'd been through everything together, but lately, it felt like there was a growing distance. He was all I had-my only family- and I wanted to close that gap. He was all I had left.

"Dad, don't make this a big deal," he pleaded, his wide brown eyes softening my frustration, as they always did. "So, I suppose this means you're not coming over this weekend either?" "Dad, I-" "It's alright," I interrupted, hiding the hurt of his absence. "Go back to your restaurant. But you owe me, and I'll make sure to collect." 2/7 0 FREE ||| O < 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules He grinned. "Deal. And Dad? Congratulations on the award. I'm proud of you." He leaned in for a hug, and I kissed the top of his head.

"Dad! You can't kisslike that in public!" he protested, pulling away, but I held him tight.

"You're my son, and I'll do whatever I want. Got that?" I teased, finally letting him go.

"You messed up my hair," he grumbled, fixing it.

"Letfix it." "No way, Dad. I've got to go." He laughed, stepping back.

"I love you, son," I called after him, watching as he looked back with his usual playful scowl.

42% As he disappeared into the crowd, my thoughts shifted back to Clairessa. Where could she have gone? "Gabe..." Rebecca's voice broke through my thoughts. She touched my arm lightly, smiling.

"Rebecca." "Dance with me," she said, her smile persistent.

I was about to decline-I needed to find Clairessa-but she didn't wait for my answer and pulledto the dance floor.

00 + 3/7 FREE ||| O < 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb 0 Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules "I'm not taking no for an answer," she said, wrapping her arms tightly around me. She pressed her petite figure against mine. And began moving closer than necessary, making her intentions known.

"One dance," I agreed, guiding her as the music changed to a slow rhythm Rebecca was beautiful and successful, but tonight, and clearly interested in me. But i didn't feel the same. There was only one woman I wanted who I wanted to spend the rest of the night with "I saw you with your son earlier. Where is he? I thought you'd introduce us." "Adrian is..." I trailed off, realizing I could use this as an excuse to leave. "Actually, he's waiting foroutside. I need to go." "Oh..." She blinked in surprise. "Don't forget to look forlater." I gave her a polite nod, knowing I wouldn't. She had been too pushy all evening, and her earlier attempts to belittle Clairessa only putoff.

Stepping into the garden, the cool night breeze brushed against me, bringing a sense of calm and peace- a much-needed relief from the earlier noise and .

My eyes scanned the beautiful garden, and that's when I saw her. Clairessa.

She was seated on a swing, gently rocking back and forth, her face deep in thought. The garden lights cast a soft glow on her caramel skin, and for a moment, I was blown away by the sight of her. She looked lost, yet so exceptionally beautiful.

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Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules me.

"Hey," I said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. She flinched but immediately relaxed when she saw "Mr. Storm... I thought-" "What are you doing out here?" I asked, crouching slightly to meet her eyes. "I've been looking everywhere for you." She glanced atbriefly, then turned away. "I was looking for you too, but then I saw you dancing with Rebecca, so I..." "So, you thought you should leave?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded without meeting my eyes. "Why did you invitetonight?" she asked suddenly, the words spilling out in a rush.

I was taken aback by her question.

"What do you mean?" "I mean, you didn't needhere. I don't fit in with all these people. You've got Rebecca and so many other women who suit you better." I smirked. "Women around me? Maybe. But I wanted you here.” "Why me, when you have Rebecca and half the room drooling over you?" She didn't seem to understand that I had eyes only for her. I brushed a stray curl from her face, O + x+ о 5/7 FREE 7C3 ||| O 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules completely captivated by her beauty. I could hear the doubt in her voice and see it in her eyes. "Clairessa, I invited you because tonight is important to me, and I wanted you by my side. Don't ask why, because even I don't fully understand." Finally, she looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. "Earlier at the table, you acted like you were ashamed of me." The pain in her voice pierced me.

"Ashamed?" I repeated, shocked that she would think that. "Why do you think I would feel that way?" "Everyone at that table was powerful, successful. And I'm just...

I reached out, gently cupping her face in my hand. "And you're....... beautiful, smart, audacious, and full of som much potential, said, my voice soft firm. I reached for her hand, pulling her to her feet. I needed her to see how much I meant every word I was saying.

She stood close to me, her inlan "Clairessa, you emerald-green dress shimmering under the soft lights" belong in any room you enter. I believe in you. I see you—for the incredible woman you already are and the one you will become." that." Her lips parted slightly, surprise and gratitude shining in her eyes. "I didn't know you thought oflike

"Maybe I should have said it sooner," I whispered into her ear, causing her skin to flush against mine. I hated that she thought so little of herself. If only she could see herself the way I saw her. She would understand just how special she was. From the first night I saw her at the club, she had affectedin ways I couldn't explain, turning my world upside down. My heart and mind were consumed with thoughts of her daily.

I wanted to confess what she was doing to me, but I couldn't bring myself to say the words. She looked atclosely. "Then answer this: why did you step in to helpearlier? It felt like you were scared I'd say something wrong." O 617 FRE ||| O < 18:53 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules My fingers grazed her cheeks. "The only reason I stepped in was because I know Rebecca can be cruel with her words, and I wanted to protect you from her. Can't you see that?" My eyes locked onto hers as I stepped closer, closing the little space between us.

I leaned in, gently lifting her chin so our gazes met. Our breaths mingled, warm and heavy. My eyes lingered on her lips-full, soft, and inviting.

I wanted this. I needed this. It was all I had been thinking about. My lips moved closer, brushing against hers lightly.

"Mr. Storm, if you're going to stop, don't start," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Her words lefttorn, caught between holding back and breaking all my rules to give in. All I wanted was to kiss her until we were both breathless.

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