Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 246

Adrian’s POV

Something about tonight felt… off.

Clairessa had barely looked at me all through dinner. Her eyes were cold, and even her smile seemed fake, distant.

It was like I didn’t even exist to her anymore.

And what made it worse was how she shut me down after I brought up her being a virgin, right there in front of everyone.

Fuck. I never should’ve said anything.

I should’ve respected what we shared behind closed doors. That moment was supposed to be sacred, ours. But I ruined it, trying to use it as some grand statement to remind her how much she meant to me.

Now it was clear to me that this wasn’t the time, and it sure as hell wasn’t the place.

The second the words left my mouth, I regretted them.

And now she looked at me like my touch disgusted her and I was some stranger trying to force myself into a space she no longer wanted me in.

I glanced over again, her head was still buried in her phone, fingers tapping away like I didn’t exist beside her.

And I knew damn well it wasn’t work. We just got back from that weekend trip and hadn’t even stepped into the office yet. This was something else.

The way she smiled at her screen, as she tucked her hair behind her ear, as she typed away.

And it wasn’t just her. My dad had been the same way all night, scrolling through his phone, barely paying attention to anything else.

His interest was only piqued, when I brought up Clairessa and talked about our previous decision of waiting until marriage to have sex, and also joked about our future babies.

I could've sworn I saw rage flash across his face as he defended her. And made me look like an asshole. Then he stood and left without saying a word.

Something was definitely going on. And I was the only one in the dark.

Lately, my Dad's entire world seemed to revolve around Clairessa. Their work meetings lasted late into the night. Even back at Randolph’s party, they were practically inseparable. I caught the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was paying attention.

Their secret glances and whispered conversations. Those casual, grazing touches that took place when they thought no-one was watching.

Every time he walked into a room, Clairessa’s skin flushed and her eyes lit up as they found his. She looked at him like he was some walking god and she never looked at me like that. Not even when we were together.

Fuck.

I didn’t want to believe that my dad and Clairessa...

No! There was no fucking way.

She wouldn’t betray me like that.

And my dad, he didn’t date young girls.

He liked mature, sophisticated women. Women who challenged him and were successful. Clairessa was soft. Innocent. Sweet in all the ways that didn’t match the kind of woman he went for.

She was beneath him in every way. Too timid and pure for the dark man I knew he was.

I closed my eyes and shoved the thought out of my head before it rooted itself too deep.

I had to be wrong.

I needed to be wrong.

“Claire, darling,” Mom said, her voice all charm and curiosity as she turned toward Clairessa. “I do hope you’ll stay for dessert. We could even watch that movie I picked out.”

Clairessa offered a wry smile. “I’m sorry, Angelique. I really can’t. I have an early start tomorrow, it’s a work day.”

She stood, gracefully.

I leaned forward. “Claire… I have a work day too. But come on, let’s just relax for tonight. My dad’s gone, so it could be us three. No dark energy looming around.” I chuckled weakly, trying to ease the tension.

Mom reached across the table, her hand brushing mine. “Adrian, that’s your father. He may come off harsh, but deep down, he has the softest heart. Maybe give him time to come around.”

“I know,” I sighed. “He’s probably just thrown off seeing you again. Maybe someday he can forgive you, and you both can… figure things out.”

Clairessa gave another tired smile, then shook her head. “I’m really sorry to ruin the night, but I need to sleep.”

“All right… sweet,” I said, stepping toward her and brushing a soft kiss against her cheek. Her skin was warm, but she pulled away quickly, walking out before I could say more.

I stood there, watching her leave, and something about the urgency in her steps didn’t sit right with me… After a moment, I slowly sat back down.

Mom poured herself a small glass of wine, her gaze drifting to me. “So… Clairessa and your dad seem really close.”

My brows drew together. “Yeah. I guess I’m surprised too. They weren’t at first. Actually, when I first suggested she stay with us, he threw a full fit. But then… he suddenly agreed, and I thought it was because of me. Now I’m not so sure.”

Mom tilted her head, studying me. “And how did they end up working together?”

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