Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 252

Clairessa’s POV

I closed my eyes, letting Gabriel’s words wash over me like warm rain. His love wrapped around me, reassuring every lingering doubt I had.

When I opened them again, I met his gaze with a soft look.

“Then forgive her.”

His brows lifted. “What?”

“Forgive Angelique. Not for her, but for you. And for me. Let go of the disdain, Gabriel. The bitterness you’ve carried all these years.”

I placed a hand on his chest, right over his heart. “It only weighs you down. And you have me now.”

Gabriel was quiet, studying me like I was something precious. Slowly, his shoulders eased, and he exhaled.

“You really are an angel.”

I smiled. “I just want peace,” I replied. “For both of us.”

He leaned in, his forehead pressing against mine, our breaths mingling.

“Then I’ll do it,” he whispered. “For you.”

A smile curved my lips. “Thank you.”

I lingered for a second longer, then pulled back slightly. “So… what’s this incredibly urgent thing that made you demand I clear out my desk, hmm?” I teased, giving him a playful side-eye.

“You barked it like some CEO on a mission, so what’s going on?”

“We’ve got a meeting,” he said smoothly, “with a potential investor. At his residence.”

“His residence?” I folded my arms. “Since when do you and I make house calls to investors?”

Gabriel rubbed the side of his nose like he was trying to hide a lie behind casualness. “Since now.”

“Mr. Storm…” I narrowed my eyes. “Why does this sound suspiciously like a getaway disguised as business?”

A grin tugged at his lips.

“Don’t argue,” he tugged playfully at my hand. “Come on, Miss Hartwood. This is a direct order from your CEO. You have no choice.”

I shot him a long, suspicious look. “You’re up to something.”

He grinned, that crooked, devastating smirk that made me weak in the knees. “I’m always up to something when it comes to you, sweetheart.”

“That’s not reassuring,” I muttered, but didn’t pull my hand back.

His thumb traced lazy circles over the back of mine. “You’ll like this one.”

“I’m not dressed for a surprise investor meeting in someone’s house,” I pointed out, still searching his face for a tell. “What exactly am I walking into?”

His eyes glinted. “You’re walking in with me. That’s all that matters.”

Something was definitely up, but he was already pulling me toward the door, his fingers laced through mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And maybe it was. Maybe whatever this was, was starting to feel natural after all.

—----

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out and just stood there.

My mouth fell open before I could stop it. “Oh… my God.”

The space was breathtaking, filled with light, tall glass windows revealing the skyline like a painted dream. Everything was sleek, modern, luxurious without trying too hard. It was the kind of place that made your heart stop for a second.

“This space is to die for,” I whispered, almost to myself. “I love it.”

Behind me, Gabriel’s voice carried a smug note. “You do?”

I turned to him, still a little dazed. “Yes,” I breathed, grinning. “Maybe one day, when my app finally takes off, I can own something like this.”

His smile deepened, too cocky to be innocent. And when I noticed it, I narrowed my eyes and poked his chest.

“What?” I asked, laughing. “What’s funny?”

He shrugged way too casually. “Nothing.”

Then he clapped his hands once. “Since you love this place,” he added, “you’re allowed a sneak peek. Fifteen minutes. Tops.”

I laughed, excitement bubbling in my chest like a teenager on her first crush. “Fifteen minutes? You’re too generous, Mr. Storm.”

I wandered through the space, admiring the contemporary décor, the soft chocolate-toned sofas, clean finishes, and calm tone.

Everything felt so intentional. Like someone designed it knowing exactly what I’d fall in love with.

As I passed a wall lined with photographs, stretching from one end to the other, I let my fingers brush lightly along one of the frames.

Then something at the far end of the wall caught my attention. A painting, larger than the rest.

I walked toward it slowly.

It was a portrait of a young woman standing barefoot by the beach. Her back was turned, hair wild from the wind. The shape, the view, the dress.

I recognized it all.

It was me. On the island. That weekend Gabriel took me away for my birthday.

My throat tightened, and I turned slowly to face Gabriel, my voice a whisper as I needed to be completely sure. “Is that…?”

He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, his chin resting near my shoulder.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “It’s you.”

My heart was thudding so loudly I was sure he could feel it.

“My heart,” he added. “That’s what the painting’s called.”

I turned slightly to look at him.

“Because you are my heart, Clairessa. All of it. You have it, wholly.”

Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them. “Gabriel… this can't be possible. Or am I dreaming?”

He kissed the side of my neck and whispered, “No. It’s real.”