Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

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Chapter 140: Close To Revealing The Truth

Clairessa POV “Mrs. Hartwood, you have sdeliveries,” my assistant announced, stepping inside with a large

bouquet of roses and two elegantly wrapped boxes. She set them down on my desk with a bright smile. “Looks

like someone's being spoiled.” Warmth spread through my chest as | took in the gifts. There was only one person

who would do this. Gabriel. He always had a way of makingfeel special, reminding| was his. We had

dinner plans tonight, and this was just the kind of thing he did-grand gestures that leftfeeling adored. My

fingers trembled slightly as | reached for the largest box, my heart already picturing the dress inside. | pulled the

ribbon, the silky material slipping through my fingers as | revealed a breathtaking blue dress. It was stunning-

elegant, sleek, something that would hug my curves just right. A chuckle slipped past my lips. Gabriel really does

know how to spoil a woman. My fingers traced the fabric before | reached for the bouquet, inhaling the fresh

scent. The sweetness filled the air as | pulled the small card nestled between the petals. | smiled, already

expecting something flirtatious-maybe a line about how he couldn't wait to take the dress offlater. But as

my eyes scanned the message, irritation burned deep in my chest. “Cto dinner with me. A.” A. Not G. My

entire body tensed as | reread the card, hoping-praying-l had somehow misread it. But no. There it was, clear as

day. Adrian. The warmth in my chest turned to ice. For a moment, | couldn’t breathe. The dress. The flowers. The

sgifts | had thought-no, | had wanted-to be from Gabriel. Adrian had sent them. He had finally lost it.

Unwanted gifts? Delivered to my office? A fresh wave of anger surged through me. | wanted to scream. | wanted

to call him and tell him exactly where he could shove his gifts. But | knew better. That was exactly what he

wanted-an excuse to talk to me. And | refused to give him that satisfaction. Instead, another idea formed. |

grabbed the flowers, fully intending to dump them in the trash and send him a picture of it. Let him see exactly

what | thought of his so-called romantic gestures. Just as | stood, ready to throw them away, the door to my

office swung open. | froze. Gabriel. He took a slow step forward, his piercing eyes locking onto mine before

shifting to the flowers in my hands. Panic shot through me, and before | could think, | stumbled back slightly,

gripping them tighter behindas if I'd been caught doing something | wasn’t supposed to. “Mr. Storm... what

are you doing here?” My voice cout unsteady, my attempt at composure slipping. Gabriel's lips curled. “Mr.

Storm, is it?” His voice was low, amused. He strode closer, his presence effortlessly commanding. | cleared my

throat. “Well... since we happen to be in the office, and it’s official hours... | guess so.” | forced a tight smile,

hoping he wouldn't questionfurther. His lips quirked slightly, but he didn’t press. Instead, his gaze swept

over me, assessing. “You look beautiful as always,” he murmured, then his eyes narrowed slightly. “But you also

look tense. So that begs the question-Clairessa, are you alright?” He reached up, his thumb brushing softly

against my cheek. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, but | quickly masked it. “I-“I steadied

my voice. “I'm great. Never been better. Especially now that I've seen you.” His eyes gleamed playfully. “Look

who's trying to be inappropriate now.” He leaned in, his intent clear, his mouth hovering just over mine. For a

split second, | wanted him to close the distance-to kiss me, to letlose myself in the way he madefeel.

But | couldn't. Not when Adrian’s damn flowers were still in my hand. At the last second, | turned away, slipping

out from beneath him and moving toward my chair. The bouquet remained hidden behind my back, but | felt

Gabriel's gaze tracking my every move. “What's that behind you?” His voice was casual-too casual. | stalled for

a beat before finally lifting the flowers into view. “It’s... um... flowers.” Gabriel hummed, his gaze drifting to the

open box on my desk. “And this?” He gestured toward the dress. “A gift?” | let out a light laugh, scrambling for an

excuse. “Yes! Actually... it’s for Jess.” The lie slipped out before | could stop it. “Her birthday’s coming up, and

I'm planning a little surprise.” Gabriel nodded slowly, though his expression held a trace of doubt. “No wonder

you seemed tense.” | forced another smile. “Right! Just a lot of planning.” Gabriel shook his head, his voice

gentle. “Clairessa, baby... if this was too much, you should've told me. We could've hired someone to help. |

know how much Jess means to you, and | love that you want to make her birthday special-but not if it's wearing

you down.” My chest ached. God, he was so good. So thoughtful.

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Z0ZZ PO, 11 Apr @

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Chapter 140 Close To Revealing The Truth

Here he was, trying to make my life

easier while | stood there, still

keeping the truth from him. | pushed

down the guilt and mustered a small

smile. “That's really sweet of you,

Gabriel. But I've got it under control.

I'm a strong woman, remember?” His

expression softened. “I don't want

you to have to be strong with me.

Just be you. Lettake care of you.”

| bit my lip, forcing back the emotions

rising in my throat. If only he knew

the truth. A shaky breath slipped past

my lips. “I'll ask for help next time.”

The words felt like a cover-up

because we both knew none of this

had anything to do with needing help.

Gabriel's eyes stayed on me, intense

and perceptive. He wasn't just

looking—he was seeing me. My

anxiety spiked under his scrutiny. ‘I

thought we were supposed to meet

this evening?” | asked, steering the

conversation away. Gabriel tilted his

head slightly, still studying me.

“Dinner... for the talk you wanted to

have, right?” | nodded. “Yes, | wanted

us to talk.” My throat felt unbearably

dry, and | forced myself to clear it. He

leaned against my desk, folding his

arms. “Then let's densa)

blurted fingers oh ening around

afi ater :

the besk s edge. “It's something we

need to sit down and take our time

with." A crease formed between his

brows, concern settling into his

features. “Why not? Clairessa, are you

in ssort of trouble?” “Trouble?” |

forced out a nervous laugh. “No, of

course not.” Gabriel's jaw tensed, his

hands dropping to his sides, fingers

twitching like he was resisting the

urge to reach for me. “Then what is

it? You've been tense since | walked

in. And last night, on the phone...” His

gaze locked onto mine. “You just told