Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 268

Clairessa’s POV

Today was Adrian’s birthday, and my heart wouldn’t stop racing. It wasn’t just a celebration, it was a turning point. Today marked either the beginning or the end for Gabriel and me.

No matter how much I wished I could freeze time, it wasn’t possible. Tonight, Gabriel and I were going to tell Adrian the truth, that we were completely in love with each other and had been secretly dating behind his back.

The thought made my chest tighten. I could already picture the fallout, the crash, the fight that would follow. But I forced myself to breathe. It was expected. And just maybe, in time, Adrian would forgive us. At least, that was the hope we held on to.

Still, it hurt that it had to be his birthday of all days. A part of me felt guilty that we were about to ruin what should have been a happy day for him. But it wasn’t entirely our fault. The timing had been against us. These past few days Gabriel was always traveling, and Adrian had been buried in what he called his “grand surprise” for his birthday, whatever that meant.

So today, with the entire family gathered, felt like the only chance.

This party was the one guaranteed moment we could have him in one place, face-to-face, with no distractions. We couldn’t keep putting it off. Gabriel and I had both agreed, the longer we waited, the worse it would be.

Gabriel’s plan was simple but terrifying. After the celebration, he’d take Adrian back home and we’d tell him then. Just the three of us.

I was scared of the outcome, but I had to be brave. If Gabriel and I wanted a real chance, this was the only way. We couldn’t keep living in our bubble. We had to face this if we ever intended to face the world together.

I stood before the mirror, smoothing the red dress over my hips. The color felt daring, almost too bold, but tonight I needed courage in any form I could find. My hands trembled, betraying me, and I bit down hard on my lip until the shaking eased.

My fingers drifted down, brushing lightly over my stomach. It wouldn’t be something I could hide for much longer, not from Gabriel, not from Adrian, not from anyone.

My throat tightened, and I shut my eyes, whispering a prayer. God, please… show mercy. Give me the strength to get through today. Don’t let everything fall apart.

Gabriel had already left earlier. Adrian had called him for something. We’d agreed to arrive separately—walking in together would only make the blow harder, and Adrian deserved better than that.

I took one last long look at my reflection, squared my shoulders, and reached for my clutch. My pulse pounded in my ears.

Whatever happened tonight… it had to happen.

—--

I stepped into the hall and was met with soft music, over-the-top party décor, and conversations blending together. For a second, I just stood there, taking it all in.

The place was crowded, far more than I’d expected. A few familiar faces from work drifted past, offering polite nods. I returned automatically, though inside I couldn’t help thinking, What on earth is all this?

Adrian had said a small gathering. Clearly, his definition of small was to invite everyone he’d ever spoken to in the last ten years.

My eyes wandered over the crowd, scanning strangers, half expecting to catch a glimpse of Gabriel. He should have been here by now. I half expected him to be in some dark corner, pretending not to be watching me. But nothing.

Alright then. Plan B—find Adrian.

Angelique’s smile deepened. “Don’t play innocent. You know how much my son loves you.”

She leaned closer, fingertips brushing my shoulder lightly. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but he has a grand surprise planned for you tonight.”

Grand surprise? What the hell. That was the fourth time I’d heard that word. First from Adrian, now from Angelique.

My thoughts spun, a rush of unease tightening in my chest. God, I hoped he wasn’t planning anything ridiculous like asking me to take him back in front of all these people.

No, he wouldn’t dare. Especially not after I’d made it painfully clear that I wasn’t in love with him anymore and nothing could ever happen between us.

I studied Angelique suspiciously. What game were the two of them playing? Angelique and Adrian—were they working together on this? A part of me wanted to press her, to demand the truth right then and there.

But I held myself back. Tonight wasn’t the moment to ruin whatever this was. If she was being pleasant, I would accept the peace and wait for the ending of all this to reveal itself.

“Come,” she said suddenly, looping her arm through mine before I could even reply. “Let me take you to him.”

“Oh…” My protest was swallowed as she was already leading me through the crowd, nodding and smiling at guests along the way like she’d personally invited them. For a moment, it felt as though she were the hostess, not just another guest.

“There he is,” she whispered with a little smile, like she was presenting me with a gift.