Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 309

Clairessa’s POV

I gasped softly, eyes widening. I shot him a look of mock innocence, silently thanking God Adrian hadn’t heard.

Adrian tapped his glass loudly. “Attention back to me, lovebirds!”

Gabriel and I both nodded like guilty children, letting him have the floor again.

“Go on, son,” Gabriel said, amusement in his tone.

Adrian bowed his head dramatically, then lifted his glass once more. “And to you, Clairessa. I salute you for being so strong, for forgiving, and for somehow making this house feel like a home again.”

My chest squeezed, my heart felt so full it hurt. I pressed my free hand against it, wheezing softly through the sob that threatened to spill.

We clinked glasses again, cheerful and light, the sound ringing with happiness. I was in awe. All of this felt like a dream I never thought I’d live to see. I was so happy, so grateful. It had taken time, but in the end, it all worked. Sometimes, you just had to trust that it would.

Adrian leaned back with a smirk. “Though, honestly, I still can’t believe my ex-girlfriend is about to become my mother-in-law. Because of one silly mistake, I lost a good woman. But hey, Dad, I guess you’re the better man.”

My laugh burst out before I could stop it, and even Adrian chuckled at his own joke, but Gabriel..... oh, Gabriel did not. His face hardened instantly, that domineering, possessive look flashing across his features.

“I’m joking,” Adrian said quickly, lifting his hands. “Relax, Dad.”

“Mm,” Gabriel rumbled, clearly not amused.

I nudged Gabriel’s arm gently, trying to ease the tension.

But Adrian wasn’t done. “Seriously, though, when are you going to put a ring on her finger? When are you going to make it official? Because you’d better do it before the baby comes. You’re always lecturing me about doing the honorable thing, so now I’m turning it back on you.”

“Adrian!” Heat rushed to my cheeks. My hands flew to cover them.

He only grinned wider.

Gabriel’s eyes stayed locked on his son for a moment, leaving us both wondering what was running through his mind. Then, finally, his gaze slid back to me..... and to my shock, his mouth curved into a faint, dark smirk.

“I see what you’re trying to do.” He pointed a warning finger at Adrian. “You want to stir up trouble. But not to worry..... at the right time, Adrian, it will happen. Clairessa already knows she has my heart. The rest will follow sooner than you think.”

His hand found mine beneath the table, his fingers closing firmly around it. I gave him a soft smile in return, warmth spreading through me.

I couldn’t deny it, I’d thought of Gabriel proposing. The image had crossed my mind more than once. But I didn’t feel the need to pressure him. After everything we had been through, we were in such a good place now. I trusted that everything would flow naturally. Gabriel had shown me his love in more ways than a ring ever could. And when he finally did propose, it would only cement what we already had, a love that already felt whole and unbreakable.

And just then, Jane’s voice floated cautiously from the doorway. “Mr. Storm..... sorry to interrupt. You have a visitor.”

Before Gabriel could dismiss her, Angelique stepped in behind her.

I was in complete shock. Angelique was the last person I expected to see. My mind reeled, the last time I had faced her was when Adrian tried to propose, and now here she was, standing in front of us. And worse, I had just learned from Adrian himself that it had all been Angelique’s plan, her manipulation to separate Gabriel and me. If she was here now, it could only mean she wanted something.

Adrian’s glass nearly slipped from his hand. “Mom...?” His voice was caught between shock and disbelief. “What a surprise. What are you doing here?”

Gabriel rose so quickly his chair scraped against the floor, his entire body going rigid. His voice dropped into a warning tone. “If you’re here to cause a scene, Angelique.....”

“Gabriel.....” I reached for his arm, my fingers curling into the fabric of his sleeve. The tension radiating off him made it clear just how much her presence unsettled him. I pressed lightly against his arm, holding him back. “Please..... let her speak.”

Angelique’s gaze swept over the table, lingering on Gabriel unsure before shifting to me. Her hands trembled at her sides. “I..... I didn’t come to fight.” Her voice cracked, small and unsteady. “I came to apologize.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify