Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 241

Clairessa’s POV

The morning sun should’ve felt refreshing. Instead, it just reminded me that the weekend was over, and reality was about to hit hard.

Our luggage was lined up along the marble walkway. Everyone was packed and ready to leave.

Randolph stood proudly at the center of it all, arms stretched wide like a man who just conquered time itself.

"Thank you all so much for coming," he said with a voice that carried across the courtyard. "It was a fantastic birthday. A damn fantastic one."

Gabriel was the first to step forward. "Thank you, Randolph. You really pulled it off."

Adrian clapped his hand firmly. "The food, the band, the people, you really did the most."

I smiled as I walked up to him. "Thank you so much, Randolph. It was truly a fantastic birthday. I just pray you get many more years, more strength, and when you hit your next big milestone, we’ll all be right there celebrating with you again."

Randolph laughed hard. "Oh, one hundred percent. No matter where in the world you are, Clairessa, I’ll find you and invite you. You’re not escaping me that easy."

Then Lisa pulled me into a soft, graceful hug. "It was such a pleasure knowing you, darling. Truly."

I smiled. "The pleasure was mine."

Cars began pulling up, windows gliding down as drivers stepped out and held the doors open.

Gabriel turned toward me. "You’re riding with me."

I opened my mouth to respond.

But Adrian’s voice cut in. "Uh, sorry, Dad. I… I need to talk to you first."

My brows pulled together as I turned, only to see Adrian wasn’t alone.

Angelique stood beside him, looking effortlessly beautiful and clutching a suitcase. Not a weekender. A suitcase.

My gaze dropped to it again, my mind working too fast to process.

Oh no.

No. Absolutely not.

Gabriel took one look and stiffened. "What’s going on?"

Adrian cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "Last night, Mom and I talked. A lot. We… caught up. And I just thought, since she’s back in the country… instead of her staying in a hotel… I mean, I would’ve offered my place, but I’m living with you now, so…"

My heart stalled.

Us?

He couldn’t mean…

"I think it’d be best if Mom… came to stay with us."

Gabriel was taken aback at first. Then he exploded.

"Are you out of your goddamn mind?" he snapped. "Your mother is not coming to live in my house. Don’t even think about it."

Angelique arched a brow, lips twitching slightly like this was exactly the reaction she’d expected.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed toward her. "Nice try, Angelique. But you’re not coming to my house."

And I stood there like a complete outsider in a family drama I had no business witnessing.

Imagine a house with those three in it.

Gabriel’s scowling.

Adrian’s conflicted.

Angelique’s sipping coffee like a queen in exile.

What in the chaotic hell was I still going to be doing there?

Adrian’s voice rose again. "Dad, please calm down. I’m pissed at her too. I haven’t forgiven her for leaving you, or me. But she’s still my mom."

"She can stay in a hotel," Gabriel said, cutting him off. "Hell, I’ll get her the penthouse. You both want quality time? Great. Just not under my roof."

Adrian stepped forward. "Dad, come on. I haven’t seen her in over ten years. You really think a hotel is the answer?"

Gabriel’s voice echoed, his rage clear. "She’s your mother, Adrian. Not my wife. We’re divorced. I don’t want her in my house. I don’t want her in my life. I don’t want to share my mornings with her across a kitchen counter. And you will not strong-arm me into it."

Angelique gently reached for Adrian’s hand. "Son, it’s alright," she said softly. "Your father’s anger is understandable. Maybe… maybe it’s for the best."

Adrian’s voice cracked. "Mom… I just got you back. I’m not ready to lose you again."

Then he turned to Gabriel, his tone quieter but no less pleading.

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