Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Clairessa's POV Chapter 95: Taking No Chances Gabriel glanced at his phone. His face tightened-it was obvious the call was important. His thumb hovered over the decline button, ready to ignore it.

I placed my hand on his chest and whispered, “It's fine. You can answer it." My voice was soft, reassuring.

His jaw clenched. "Not a chance. I'm not leaving you alone in this place." I let out a small laugh, tilting my head.. "Gabriel, it's the VIP section. We're practically the only ones here, and Serand Raquel are just over there." I gestured toward the couple, still wrapped up in their own world. "You can take your call, and I'll just be dancing until you're back." His gaze burned into mine. "Not a chance in hell." Before I could protest, he let out a low groan, then grabbed my hand, pullingtoward the private seating area. He leaned down, whispering something to Sergio, who briefly glanced atbefore signaling one of the bodyguards. The man moved closer, his presence a silent command.

Gabriel turned back to me, his lips brushing against my ear as he murmured, “I'll be back shortly." Then, with one last look, he strode off.

Raquel slipped in beside me, a smirk playing on her lips as she settled into the seat. Her fingers toyed with the rim of her champagne glass before she turned to me, eyes twinkling.

1/6 Chapter 95: Taking No Chances "I hope you're having a good time," she asked, bumping her shoulder against mine.

I grinned, still feeling the warmth of Gabriel's lips on my skin. “I sure am. And congratulations again." 62% Raquel sighed dreamily, her eyes shining with disbelief. "It still feels so surreal," she breathed, holding up her hand so her ring sparkled under the dim lights. "Thank you for everything," she murmured, her voice full of emotion.

I smiled. "I really didn't do much. Serhad it all planned.” My gaze dropped to her ring, and I let out a low gasp. "Your ring? It's... stunning-and definitely expensive," I gushed, admiring the sparkle.

Raquel grinned. "It's diamonds, and you know what they say..." Her voice was filled with happiness. Then, her eyes swept over me, taking in every detail. "And that dress...on..you... God, Claire. I told you it would be a showstopper." I chuckled. "You did. Gabriel almost lost his shit when he sawin it. And to be honest, I don't think I've ever worn anything this revealing." Raquel smirked. “There's a first tfor everything. Besides, it's worth it-any dress that gets Gabriel acting like a jealous husband is a win. No wonder he won't let you out of his sight." I rolled my eyes, trying to sound indifferent. “Oh, he's just being Gabriel.

She raised a brow. "Claire, my eyes have been on you both all night,” she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Judging by the way Gabriel's been glued to you all night... I'd wager that man is into you. And you? You're just as into him." My eyes met Raquel's, and for a moment, I hesitated. "I'm... sorry I was a bit vague with my response earlier. I just didn't know if I was ready to share... especially when I don't know if this relationship will survive back home." 2/6 Chapter 95: Taking No Chances 62% Raquel placed a reassuring hand over mine. "Claire, that man looks at you like he wants to keep you all to himself. I really think he likes you, but don't overthink it. Just enjoy the moment." She took my hand. "Now, let's go dance! I'm getting married!" she squealed, flashing her ring excitedly.

"You are." I cooed, and we both started dancing.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.

Daniel walked into the VIP section.

Serwaved his hand, signaling the bodyguards to let him in. Once inside, he began talking with Sergio. From the way Sernodded, it looked like he was congratulating him, but I couldn't make out their conversation. They stood a few feet away, yet I could feel Daniel's eyes on me.

"Daniel is here..." Raquel whispered in my ear. "I don't think Gabriel would be too happy..." My eyes met Daniel's briefly before I focused on Raquel. I was shocked that he was in the Bahamas-of all places. And tonight, of all nights. I knew I had to go and talk to him, especially after how I left things.

"Gabriel will be fine," I replied. "I'll just go say hi." "Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.

I simply nodded and walked toward the two men.

As I approached, I caught the tail end of their conversation.

Sun, 23 Feb Chapter 95: Taking No Chances 62% I'm happy to see you, Dan, Sergreeted him, his tone excited but slightly tense. "But you know I can't let you talk to Clairessa, especially since Gabriel isn't here. He'll be back soon, and I don't want any trouble tonight." Daniel's expression remained composed. “I just need to talk to her for a few minutes, and then I'll leave you to your celebration." I stepped closer. "Sergio, it's alright. I'd like to speak with Daniel." Serexhaled, clearly displeased, as he looked between the two of us.

"Clairessa... Gabriel left you in my care before he stepped out, and I'm trying to avoid any confrontations." I straightened, feeling the need to establish scontrol over my own life. "Sergio, I choose who I speak with- not Gabriel." He held my gaze for a moment before raising his hands in defeat. “Alright. I'll leave you both.” As he walked away, Daniel's gaze stayed locked on mine.

"Hi, Clairessa." His voice was softer than I expected. "I see that you're well." He let his gaze drag overwith admiration before settling on my face. "You look... amazing." “Thanks,” I murmured, offering a small smile, still surprised to see him standing before me. My voice carried my shock. "What are you doing here, in the Bahamas?" He gave a tight smile. "Serand I have mutual business here. We wrapped things up a few days ago," he explained, his gaze never leaving mine. "I heard about the engagement and figured I'd stop by to congratulate him before I leave tomorrow." 4/6 Chapter 95: Taking No Chances As he spoke, a wave of guilt hit me. After our last dinner-when he opened up about his past and admitted his feelings-I had ignored his calls. That wasn't fair.

I let out a slow sigh. "I'm sorry for ghosting you. It was unfair of me, and I see that now" He scoffed, shaking his head. "That was really messed up, Claire. I thought we had something and then you just disappeared. No replies. No calls." His voice lowered, filled with pain. "That hurt me." "I know, and I'm sorry. It's just-

"Don't bother blaming it on work," he cut in, his tone firmer now. "It's clear you're not working. Instead, you're here, having a good twith Gabriel." "It's not what you think," I replied quickly-a lie, if only to ease my guilt. The hurt in his eyes made my chest tighten.

Daniel let out a humorless chuckle. "Claire, there's no use denying the truth. He even controls who you talk to, doesn't he?" "Gabriel doesn't control me," I shot back, defensive. "I don't know why you'd think that."

Daniel scoffed. "Then why did Serstop me? He wouldn't lettalk to you unless Gabriel was around. That speaks volumes." His gaze swept the room as if searching for him. "Why does he act like he owns you? Huh?" "Well, I already told you-no one owns me. I guess Seris just trying to avoid the bad blood between you and Gabriel from ruining his night." 5/6 23 Fe Chapter 95: Taking No Chances

"Maybe..." He huffed. "But all of this is what I was trying to tell you the night I got that call and had to leave. I wanted you to hear the truth from me." 6250 I searched Daniel's face, and it was clear he was being sincere. "How about we talk when we get back to Miami? Daniel's frustration was evident. I don't know, Clairessa. Your words don't hold much weight anymore" "I promise, Daniel. I'll text you once I land." His eyes lingered on mine for a moment before he finally sighed in resignation. "Alright, Claire. I'll take your word one last time." "Thank you," I offered him a soft smile.

Then he leaned in and pressed a light kiss to my cheek.

And that was when Gabriel walked in.

Our eyes locked.

His expression shifted from confusion to pure, lethal rage in a heartbeat.

His voice was a low growl, cutting through the music. "Get your filthy hands off her."