Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 258

Clairessa’s POV

I stopped just outside the elevator, right in front of my apartment door, excited to welcome Jess to my new place.

No, this wasn’t just another apartment.

It was my home.

I was really calling it that now.

My name was on the deed.

Thanks to Gabriel.

I could hardly believe it. Part of me still felt like I was living in someone else’s dream.

But it wasn’t. This was my reality now.

I was a homeowner in Miami, and to top it all, it was in one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the city.

The joy swelled in my chest, too full for words.

Just then, the elevator chimed, and the doors slid open.

“Claire!” she squealed, pulling me into a warm hug. “Oh my God, you’re glowing!”

I laughed into her shoulder. “You always say that.”

“I mean it this time,” she said, leaning back to look at me. “You look so… alive.”

She glanced around and gasped. “Wait, this is your place? Claire, this looks like a page out of Architectural Digest.”

“Come in,” I smiled, stepping aside with a mock curtsy. “Let me give you the grand tour.”

She followed as I led her through the high-ceilinged living room, pointing out the couch Gabriel claimed was too delicate, the kitchen island, the warm lights arched over the marble counters.

As we walked, I pointed out all the parts of the house I was absolutely going crazy over. Last night, while Gabriel was half-asleep, I’d quietly toured every inch of it in complete awe.

“Okay, look at this,” I said, gesturing excitedly as I picked up the slim remote. I pressed a button, and the blinds slowly lowered, revealing a sweeping view of the city skyline. “Tell me that’s not insane,” I laughed.

Jess let out a low whistle as she looked out the wide windows, taking in the view. The light spilled across the open kitchen and living area, painting everything in soft gold.

“And this kitchen,” I added, motioning toward the marble counters, “is bigger than my old apartment.”

Jess kept glancing around, and even if her expression was full of dazzled awe and all her usual dramatics were on display, I could still sense something underneath it. I’d known Jess for years. I could tell when something was off. It felt like she’d seen this place before.

She paused, clearly enjoying the reveal. “When he saw the finished piece, he wired me a hundred thousand dollars. No questions or negotiation, he just sent it like it was pocket change.”

I stared at her, stunned. “When did this even happen? I can’t believe this…”

“A few weeks back,” she said. “He told me not to tell you, that it was supposed to be a surprise.”

I turned back to the painting, my heart swelling. “Jess… I can’t believe you two pulled this off. This is… freaking amazing. Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“Don’t thank me, thank your man,” she said, looping her arm through mine. “That painting gave me the biggest paycheck of my career. And it didn’t stop there. Gabriel referred me to two of his clients. Both paid top dollar for commissions. Claire… I’ve got real money clients now. All thanks to Gabriel, and you.”

“I’m really happy Gabriel contacted you for this painting,” I squeezed her hand. “And hearing that he referred you to his clients, it makes me so happy. You’re an exceptional artist, Jess. It’s about time your work got the recognition it deserves.”

She gave me that look again, half pride and half disbelief, then she casually added, “Oh, and… he also called me in to help design this place. Said it needed my creative touch.”

“Aha! I knew something was up with your reaction earlier.” I laughed, then turned in a slow circle, taking in the space around us.

Jess watched me closely as I looked around, a little dazed.

“It’s like whoever designed this place knew me,” I said softly. “Like they didn’t just understand my taste, they understood me. It had to have been you.”

“It had to be me. I’m your best friend.” Jess bumped her shoulder into mine with a smug grin. “Who knew dating a billionaire could take you from homeless to homeowner in record time? I seriously need to find myself one of those, ASAP.”