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?”

My jaw tightened. “No. She’s not.”

“Are you sure?”

“She’s single, Mom,” I said quickly, my mind not even considering the alternative. “She lives with us. She’s not sneaking out for late-night dates. She’s either at work or keeping to herself.”

Angelique raised a brow but didn’t interrupt.

“Come on,” I went on, the heat rising in my chest. “Clairessa’s not like that. She’s not running around behind anyone’s back. So no, don’t even suggest that.”

She nodded slowly, lips pursed in thought. “I wasn’t trying to upset you. I just wanted to know. And if that’s the case…” Her voice softened. “Then maybe you should do something drastic to win her back.”

I let out a frustrated breath. “Mom, I’ve tried everything. I apologized, gave her space, supported her… what else can I do?”

“Women love grand gestures, Adrian. Something bold. Something unforgettable. Something that says, *Take me back.*”

I narrowed my eyes. “Like what? You have something in mind?”

She shrugged with a knowing smirk. “A few ideas. Depends on how much you want her back.”

I hesitated, then said quietly, “Very far. I want her back. More than anything.”

Mom's eyes sparkled. “You once told me that when you two were dating, you talked about getting married.”

I chuckled, unsure if I was horrified or amused. “Mom… are you insinuating what I think you’re insinuating?”

She lifted her hands innocently. “I’m not insinuating anything. I’m just saying… all women want something lasting. Something real. So give her what she used to ask you for back then—the things you weren’t ready to give her.”

I ran a hand through my hair, thinking on her words. “You have a point. But I don’t know if I’m ready for a lifetime commitment. It’s not just about gestures. Marriage is…”

Mom's tone dropped a notch. “Then maybe you don’t want her as much as you think. And maybe another man will.”

My hands curled into fists. “Never.”

Her smile returned, slow and proud. “Good. That’s my son.”

She took a sip of her wine, then glanced up thoughtfully. “Your birthday’s coming up soon, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I said cautiously. “Why?”

Angelique grinned like she’d already planned ten moves ahead. “Perfect. I have a plan. One that’ll be impossible for her to ignore. A grand surprise that’ll surely bring her back to you… where she belongs.”