Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 316

Clairessa’s POV

The stage lights were hot, but the warmth I felt wasn’t from them. It was from the hundreds of faces staring back at me, cameras flashing, the anticipation alive in the air. For a moment, I stood at the microphone podium, trying to take in the reality of it all, my reality.

I took a steady breath and let my words pour from the heart.

“This app started as messy sketches in my college dorm closet,” I began, and laughter rippled through the crowd. “And today, here we are. My dream is no longer just notes on paper. It’s living, breathing, real.”

I paused, letting my eyes sweep across the sea of expectant smiles. “Now.... confession time. This app was actually supposed to launch a year ago.” A playful grin tugged at my lips. “But as you all know, having a baby takes a little more time than debugging codes.”

The room burst into laughter, loud and genuine. Cameras flashed like starlight, capturing every second.

I leaned in with mock seriousness. “Between midnight feedings, teething, and diapers that somehow vanish into thin air, let’s just say my launch date got pushed back.”

Another wave of laughter. I couldn’t help but laugh with them.

“But here’s what I’ve learned,” I said, steadying my voice. “Delay is not denial. And standing here tonight, I’m proof that no matter what life throws at you, your dreams are still valid. They’re still waiting.”

Applause thundered through the room, filling the hall with a swell of energy that made my chest ache with pride.

I pressed a hand to my heart, grounding myself. “I want to thank every single one of you who believed in this, who showed up, who poured your brilliance into making this possible. In just one week of testing, this app has already reached thousands of downloads, with projections soaring beyond anything I ever dared to dream. But more than numbers, this is proof that when people believe in you, and you believe in yourself, amazing things happen.”

I drew in a shaky breath. “And lastly.... though he should probably be first.... but.... I guess I saved the best for last. Gabriel Storm.” I let the name hang there, and the audience chuckled knowingly.

“The most handsome, hardworking, brilliant man I’ve ever met. He took a chance on me when I was just a nervous junior engineer with nothing but ideas. He pushed me when I doubted myself. He believed when I couldn’t. And now, he’s here, watching this unfold.”

The applause rose, thunderous and unending. My eyes found him instantly. Gabriel stood near the front, tall and proud, his expression so full it made my throat close. But it wasn’t just him. He was holding our daughter, Gabriella. Her chubby hands reached toward me, her sweet little mouth forming the words she’d only just mastered.

“Mommy! Mommy!”

Tears stung my eyes. The hall, the applause, the lights.... it all blurred until it was just them. Gabriel’s pride radiated through me like fire. And Gabriella’s voice, high and sweet, nearly broke me.

—--

Later, after the speeches, the handshakes, the endless photos with investors and business partners, Gabriel walked toward me with Gabriella bouncing on his hip, her dark curls bobbing with every clap of her tiny hands. He set her down gently, and before I could even breathe, she stumbled forward, her first steps, straight into my arms.

“Ma....ma....” she whispered, her little voice like music.

I dropped to my knees, scooping her up as tears slipped free. “Yes, baby girl. Mama’s here.”

“Da....da,” she added, reaching for Gabriel. The three of us burst into laughter, tangled together in the middle of the celebration.

Of course, that’s when Adrian appeared.

“Before this turns into some sappy family montage,” he said with a smirk, “I’m seeing someone now.”

I blinked. “Wait! You’re what?”

He shrugged, almost too casual. “Yeah. Actually, I might be bailing early tonight. Got a dinner date with her.”

My mouth fell open. “A date? Since when? You swore off women after me.”

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