Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 215

Clairessa's POV

Gabriel didn’t move. Neither did I.

Panic surged through me, heat flooding my cheeks. My fingers were still damp.

My mind screamed to run—and this time, I did.

I turned and bolted, heart racing, breath shallow, legs barely holding me up.

I yanked the door open and stumbled out, slamming it shut behind me.

Then I stopped.

Out in the hallway, I stood frozen. Chest heaving. The world around me was spinning off balance.

My body was still reeling—still soaked in aftershock—as I rushed blindly down the hall, like I could outrun the memory of what I’d just done.

I rounded the corner—too fast, too dazed—and slammed straight into someone.

Jane, the housekeeper.

“Oh!” she gasped, stepping back as a folded towel slipped from her arms.

My eyes widened.

She looked me over—flushed cheeks, messy hair, wild, glassy eyes—and I just knew.

She knew exactly what I’d done.

“Claire?” Her voice was gentle, uncertain. “Are you… all right?”

“Yes,” I blurted, my voice higher than it should’ve been. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”

Jane’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You look a bit pale.”

Heated, more like. She was scanning me—reading me.

My mouth opened to offer an excuse, but no words came out.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?”

I forced a laugh that sounded completely unnatural. “Never been better.”

She gave a polite smile, though her eyes still looked concerned. “Good to hear. Well then… I’ll say goodnight. Sleep well.”

“Thank you,” I managed, forcing a small smile.

She turned to go.

That’s when I remembered the situation with my room.

“Jane—wait,” I called softly. She paused and turned back.

“I’m sorry. I went into my room earlier and… everything felt off. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but…”

I trailed off, brow furrowed. “It was like someone cleared it out. Do you… know anything about that?”

Her eyes darted around, like she wasn’t sure how much to say. “I… don’t know if I should be telling you this, but yes—Mr. Storm moved your things.”

My heart dropped. “Wait, what?”

“Mr. Storm had a surprise planned for you. He was hoping you’d get home earlier today, but you arrived a bit late with Mr. Adrian.”

Heat rushed to my face.

She must’ve noticed, because she quickly added, “It’s a good thing. Truly.”

I looked at her, skeptical. “What kind of surprise involves moving all my things?”

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Mr. Storm’s been preparing something special for you. For a few weeks now. He wanted it kept quiet. Asked me not to say anything. Even Mr. Adrian doesn’t know.”

I didn’t want a gift. Not from him. I didn’t want to owe Gabriel more than I already did.

Jane must’ve seen the hesitation on my face, because she gently reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Come with me.” Without another word, she guided me down the hallway.

We passed the main staircase and headed toward the end of the corridor. My heart pounded with every step.

I already knew where we were going.

The door at the very end—it led to the attic. I’d never been inside. Gabriel once mentioned it was just sentimental storage, full of old heirlooms and forgotten things. I never asked more. Never cared to.

But now, Jane reached for the brass handle and slowly pushed the door open.

I stepped in behind her—and let out a quiet gasp. A stunned, breathless oh my god escaped me before I could stop it.

This wasn’t an attic.

It was an entire world.

I froze at the threshold, blinking like I couldn’t trust what I was seeing.

The room was massive—easily bigger than my entire apartment. Cozy, but undeniably luxurious.

High ceilings. Cream and gold drapes. Soft, ambient lighting.

A grand bed layered with velvet throws and embroidered pillows.

Sofas. A vanity.

A staircase leading to a loft area.

The whole place looked like it had been pulled from a luxury home magazine… but every detail felt personal. Like someone had been paying attention—to me.

“Jane…” My voice trembled. “What is this?”

She gestured around with a warm smile. “This is your new space.”

“My what?” I turned to her, confused. “I don’t understand. Why?”

There was a softness in her eyes—something close to sympathy. “Mr. Storm’s been working on this for weeks. Ever since he found out about the fire. He wanted to do something… special for you. And—I’m really sorry about your home, by the way.”

My eyes swept over the room again—from the lush bedding to the soft rugs and polished floors.

“How,” I murmured, still trying to absorb it. “I never heard anything.”

Jane let out a quiet chuckle. “That’s because Mr. Storm was very strict with the rules. He made sure the workers only came after you’d left for work and were gone before you got home. He wanted it to be a surprise. Very hush-hush. Not even Adrian knows.”

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