Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 262

Clairessa’s POV

My legs still felt unsteady as I moved quickly to the seat across from his desk. I smoothed my skirt, willing my pulse to slow, then ran my fingers through my hair as if I could erase the evidence of what Gabriel had been doing to me barely two minutes ago.

Gabriel leaned back against the edge of the desk, arms folded. His expression was deceptively relaxed, but that only meant one thing: his mind was already ten steps ahead.

“We have to tell him,” he said quietly, eyes locked on mine. “It’s time to tell him the truth. No more hiding, no more games.”

My chest tightened. “No…w.” I stammered.

The moment the word left my lips, panic flared. The truth? That I’d fallen in love with his father?

I could already see the betrayal in Adrian’s eyes, the accusations, the questions I wasn’t ready to face.

And Gabriel… I hadn’t even told him I was pregnant. The thought clawed at my ribs, making it harder to breathe. How would he take it? How could I drop that bomb when I didn’t even know if he was ready for it? And Adrian, if he found out everything in one blow, God, I didn’t even want to imagine the fallout.

This wasn’t the place, and it sure as hell wasn’t the moment.

I reached out, my fingers brushing over Gabriel’s before curling around his hand. I wanted to convince him, to make him see reason.

“I think we should wait a little longer.” My eyes searched his. “Adrian’s walking in soon, and we don’t want it to look like he caught us and that’s the only reason we’re confessing.”

Gabriel tilted his head slightly, considering my words, his eyes steady on mine. But before he could answer, the door swung open.

I instantly let go of his hand, my body going rigid.

Adrian stepped inside, moving closer to the desk before stopping. His gaze landed on his father first.

“Dad?” he said slowly, as though the word had to push past disbelief.

Then his gaze swung to me. “Clairessa? I didn’t think I’d find you here.”

Surprise flashed across his face. His brows drew together as his eyes darted between us.

“Tems told me you were in a meeting. I just didn’t think that meeting would be with you.”

My throat went dry. “I… I…” My voice stumbled over the syllables. I hated how obvious my nerves were.

Gabriel must have sensed it, because his voice cut in before I could finish. “You’re right. As you can see, I’m in a meeting with Clairessa. And you should have listened to my assistant when she said I was in a meeting. This is important, and you should have waited.”

Adrian straightened a little, catching his father’s irritation. “Sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I just… have some important news to share.”

Gabriel leaned back against the desk, his gaze brushing over me for a split second before fixing on his son. “Alright. Go ahead.”

Adrian’s mouth curved into a small smile. “Well, actually, it’s a good thing you’re both here together.” His eyes lingered on me a beat too long, warm enough to make me uneasy. “Because I heard Clairessa moved out while I was away for a week…”

Guilt washed over me.

“Wow,” he added with a faint chuckle, “you didn’t even tell me the day you left.”

My throat tightened, but I forced my voice to stay steady. “I’m sorry. Everything… just happened quickly. But yeah, I’ve moved out.” I paused. “And thank you… for all your help before.”

“That’s okay,” Adrian said with a small shrug. “Anyway, the reason I came.” His smile shifted, lighter, almost boyish. “My birthday’s next weekend. Big party. And I want you both there.”

“That’s… nice of you,” I said carefully, already thinking of a way to decline. “But I’m not sure I’ll be able to…”

“Clairessa,” he cut in, stepping closer and taking my hand like it was nothing unusual. “I really want you there. It wouldn’t feel right without you.”

The words landed heavy in my chest. I tried to pull my hand free, but he held it gently, his thumb brushing across my knuckles like he’d done a hundred times before.

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