Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him Clairessa's POV Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him My eyes shot open. I stretched slowly beneath the duvet before reaching for my phone and glancing at the screen. It was past ten. I'd slept in longer than planned, but I had no one to blbut myself. Most of the night had been spent tossing and turning, restless and frustrated by the memory of Gabriel turningdown yet again. Keeping up this bad-girl act was draining, and I couldn't help but wonder if revenge was worth all this effort.

Men like Gabriel had been with countless women-elegant, experienced women who were probably far sexier than I was. It was clear I wasn't his type. Still, as much as I told myself to give up, I knew I couldn't. He consumed my thoughts.

I shook my head, trying to clear it as I rose from the bed and headed to the bathroom. Staring at my reflection, I sighed, then brushed my teeth and splashed cold water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"You can do this," I whispered to my reflection. With one final glance, I stepped out of my room and passed by Gabriel's door. I hesitated, but curiosity got the better of me. Knocking softly, I waited, but there was no response.

I pushed the door open and poked my head in.

"Mr. Storm?" I called out quietly. No answer.

The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the room. It was much bigger than mine, but what struckmost was how dark and pristine everything was-just like him. The bed was perfectly made, the sleek furniture arranged meticulously. The whole space felt controlled, as though Gabriel didn't allow even the slightest imperfection.

1/6 Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him A chill ran down my spine at the thought of being caught snooping. I quickly slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind me.

The rest of the house was stunning, with vast windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. Every piece of furniture and decor spoke of wealth and luxury. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen.

88% As I wandered down the hallway, a wall of photographs caught my attention. One in particular madepause-a younger Gabriel, looking innocent, his eyes soft and free of the coldness I'd cto associate with him. My fingers brushed over the frame. He had always been handsome.

The next photo showed Gabriel holding a young boy-Adrian. They were at what seemed to be a birthday party, both smiling warmly. They looked happy, close even. Seeing this side of Gabriel-human and caring-tookby surprise.

Adrian had always admired his father, despite feeling like he couldn't live up to his success. The photo madequestion everything. Gabriel had no idea I was Adrian's ex, and I intended to keep it that way. But now, just as I was nearing my goal, doubts began creeping in.

My stomach growled, pullingfrom my thoughts. I made my way to the kitchen, marveling at the expansive cabinets and fully stocked fridge. I decided to make something simple-eggs and toast. Within minutes, I had two plates ready, hoping Gabriel would return soon.

As the toast popped from the toaster, a voice startled me, makingjump and burn my fingers on the hot metal.

"What are you doing?" Gabriel's deep voice cut through the silence.

"Ouch!" I yelped, dropping the toast as I turned to him, cradling my burned fingers.

In seconds, he was beside me, gently pulling my hand from my mouth. "Letsee," he murmured, his breath grazing my neck as he inspected the burn. His touch sent a shiver through me. He ledto the sink and turned on the tap as he guided my hand under the cool water.

2/6 O < 10:12 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him "I was... hungry," I stammered, trying to block out the sting of the burn-and his closeness. "I thought I'd make us breakfast." "I don't eat breakfast,” he replied flatly, still focusing on my fingers, now red from the burn.

"Who doesn't eat breakfast?” I asked, glancing at him in disbelief.

He ignored my question. "Does it still hurt?" he asked, his voice softer now.

"A little," I admitted quietly, surprised by his concern.

"Wait here," he ordered, walking to a caband pulling out a first-aid kit. He returned and carefully applied ointment to my fingers before bandaging them. His touch was gentle, focused.

"That should help," he said, his eyes briefly fixing on mine.

"Thank you," I replied, surprised by the shift in his demeanor. Gabriel's kindness toward such a small injury was unexpected. I had burned my fingers countless times in the past, and Adrian had barely paid attention. Gabriel, however, seemed genuinely concerned. It stirred something inside me-something I hadn't expected to feel for him.

"Come," he gestured, taking my hand and leadingto the kitchen island. "Sit and eat," he commanded again, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sat down, still dazed from how he had handled the situation, and began to eat. Gabriel, in the meantime, cleared the counter, cleaning up the mess I had made.

"Mr. Storm, you don't have to clean up after me," I protested, standing to help, but he shook his head.

||| 3/6 10:12 Wed, 19 Feb Chapter 24 Getting To Know 14in "It doesn't matter who made the mess tes voice greetem What are that gets depleand finish your breakfast couldn't Madre I sat back and continued eating 1 cmdit help but are at Gabriela wiping every surface until the kitchen gleamed. This man was parador commanding perangly considerate My eyes traced his form as he moved around the kitchen. That's when I noticed his out was g black sweatpants and a fitted polo. He looked sexy, and my eyes followed the way his strong hands mod across the kitchen counter He must have finished a workout session because sweat still dotted his skin. The mosept to sow firs the more I wanted to have him. I was ready to damn all the consequences "So, do you live in this big house all alone?" I asked, pulling his attention toward me.

"Isn't it obvious?" he replied with a small, sarcastic laugh. But I didn't mind. I was getting used to his sharp responses.

"Don't you get lonely or bored?" I asked again, curious.

"I'm perfectly happy in my space. I like things a certain way, and my staff makes sure it stays that way," he answered, "So, I guess you're a neat freak," I teased, glancing around at the perfectly organized living room.

"I'm organized," he corrected me, his eyes moving to my plate. "Are you done eating?" he asked, noticing it was empty but still waiting for my approval before clearing it.

4/6 10:12 Wed, 19 Feb Kiss Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him "Thank you, Mr. Storm," I said, offering him a grateful smile.

"You're welcome," he replied, wiping down the spot I ate until it was spotless. He made sure everything was perfectly clean, and I was impressed. I had never met a man so particular about cleanliness.

"So, what do you usually do on a typical Saturday?" I asked.

"I go for my morning workout, chome, reply to semails, clear my head with a little meditation, and take an hour's nap before meetings." "That sounds boring," I rolled my eyes and shrugged.

"What do you do on a Saturday?" he asked, leaning on the counter, waiting for my answer.

"I...," I stuttered, unsure of how to respond. "Chores, grocery shopping, sleeping... movie night with my ex, on the days he was available." He raised an eyebrow, amused. “I see. How is your Saturday more exciting than mine?" "Well, you're a billionaire. You can do anything you want, go anywhere you want-travel, attend events, try new hobbies... the possibilities are endless," I said.

"Where would you like to go?" he asked, his interest piqued.

views." "Somewhere beautiful, with a cool breeze and water... maybe a private island with palm trees and nice "So, you like to travel," he said, watchingclosely.

516 10:12 Wed, 19 Feb G Chapter 24: Getting To Know Him

"Kind of. I've never actually traveled anywhere. I always wanted to, but I was busy with school and watej explained. This year, my ex promised to taketo one of those private islands for my birthday 1 added, feeling sad. "But I guess that's not going to happen anymore." "You never know," Gabriel replied, raising an eyebrow. "Go get dressed, I'll take you home? "Home?" I repeated, feeling a bit disappointed that the conversation was ending. This was the first twe'd really talked outside of work, and I liked it. But I didn't want to seem too eager. I forced a smile. "Sure, f get ready," I said, standing to leave.

As I walked upstairs, guilt settled in my chest. Gabriel's sudden show of kindness had caughtoff guard. I didn't expect him to be so gentle, ΕΠ especially over something as minor as a burn. He usually seemed so distant and cold, but in that moment, he seemed to care.

It was these little moments that kept walls!coming back, always hoping for more, even though I knew better. Gabriel had walls-tall, impenetrable walls. The more I got to know him, the more I realized how closed off he was. Whether it was because of his past or his decision to keep people out, he didn't let anyone in. But there was something about him that madewant to try and break through those barriers.