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

Clairessa's POV

Gabriel didn't move. Neither did I.

Panic surged through me, heat flooding my cheeks. My fingers were still damp.

My mind screamed to run-and this time, I did.

I turned and bolted, heart racing, breath shallow, legs barely holding me up.

I yanked the door open and stumbled out, slamming it shut behind me.

Then I stopped.

Out in the hallway, I stood frozen. Chest heaving. The world around me was spinning off balance.

My body was still reeling-still soaked in aftershock-as I rushed blindly down the hall, like I could outrun the memory of what I'd just done.

I rounded the corner-too fast, too dazed-and slammed straight into someone.

Jane, the housekeeper.

"Oh!" she gasped, stepping back as a folded towel slipped from her arms.

My eyes widened.

She looked me over-flushed cheeks, messy hair, wild, glassy eyes—and I just knew.

She knew exactly what I'd done.

"Claire?” Her voice was gentle, uncertain. "Are you... all right?"

"Yes," I blurted, my voice higher than it should've been. "I'm fine. Everything's fine."

Jane's eyes narrowed slightly. "You look a bit pale."

Heated, more like. She was scanning me-reading me.

My mouth opened to offer an excuse, but no words came out.

"Are you sure everything's okay?"

I forced a laugh that sounded completely unnatural. "Never been better."

She gave a polite smile, though her eyes still looked concerned. "Good to hear.

Well then... I'll say goodnight. Sleep well."

"Thank you," I managed, forcing a small smile.

She turned to go.

That's when I remembered the situation with my room.

"Jane-wait," I called softly. She paused and turned back.

"I'm sorry. I went into my room earlier and... everything felt off. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but..."

I trailed off, brow furrowed. "It was like someone cleared it out. Do you... know anything about that?"

Her eyes darted around, like she wasn't sure how much to say. "I... don't know if I should be telling you this, but yes-Mr. Storm moved your things."

My heart dropped. "Wait, what?"

"Mr. Storm had a surprise planned for you. He was hoping you'd get home earlier today, but you arrived a bit late with Mr. Adrian."

Heat rushed to my face.

She must've noticed, because she quickly added, "It's a good thing. Truly."

I looked at her, skeptical. "What kind of surprise involves moving all my things?"

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Mr. Storm's been preparing something special for you. For a few weeks now. He wanted it kept quiet. Asked me not to say anything. Even Mr. Adrian doesn't know."

I didn't want a gift. Not from him. I didn't want to owe Gabriel more than I already did.

Jane must've seen the hesitation on my face, because she gently reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Come with me." Without another word, she guided me down the hallway.

We passed the main staircase and headed toward the end of the corridor. My heart pounded with every step.

I already knew where we were going.

The door at the very end-it led to the attic. I'd never been inside. Gabriel once mentioned it was just sentimental storage, full of old heirlooms and forgotten things. I never asked more. Never cared to.

But now, Jane reached for the brass handle and slowly pushed the door open.

I stepped in behind her-and let out a quiet gasp. A stunned, breathless oh my god escaped me before I could stop it.

This wasn't an attic.

It was an entire world.

I froze at the threshold, blinking like I couldn't trust what I was seeing.

The room was massive-easily bigger than my entire apartment. Cozy, but undeniably luxurious.

High ceilings. Cream and gold drapes. Soft, ambient lighting.

A grand bed layered with velvet throws and embroidered pillows.

Sofas. A vanity.

A staircase leading to a loft area.

The whole place looked like it had been pulled from a luxury home magazine... but every detail felt personal. Like someone had been paying attention-to me.

"Jane..." My voice trembled. "What is this?"noveldrama

She gestured around with a warm smile. “This is your new space."

"My what?" I turned to her, confused. "I don't understand. Why?"

There was a softness in her eyes-something close to sympathy. "Mr. Storm's been working on this for weeks. Ever since he found out about the fire. He wanted o do something... special for you. And I'm really sorry about your home, by the way."

My eyes swept over the room again—from the lush bedding to the soft rugs and polished floors.

"How," I murmured, still trying to absorb it. "I never heard anything."

Jane let out a quiet chuckle. "That's because Mr. Storm was very strict with the rules. He made sure the workers only came after you'd left for work and were gone before you got home. He wanted it to be a surprise. Very hush-hush. Not even Adrian knows."

I stood there, unmoving, taking it in again-slower this time. The walls, the colors even the throw pillows matched the exact shades te onse told Gabriell liked. A candle sat on the side table-my favorite scent. How could he possibly remember that?

I'd never lived in a space this rich or beautiful. And I never imagined Gabriel would

go out of his way to create something so grand for me.

It wasn't just the beauty or the extravagance—it was the thought behind it. The

care. The energy poured into every detail.

Unable to take it all in at once...

"You mean..." I turned toward Jane, my voice barely a whisper. "Gabriel did all of

this?"

She nodded, more firmly this time.

"Yes. This used to be where Mr. Storm kept his personal things-old portraits, memories from his first

marriage. He clearing?

out.

For you. He's never let anyone up here Not even Adrian Only me. So it's safe to say he wanted you to have a home here. A space that's yours. Where you'd feel safe."

Safe.

My heart clenched—too full, too soft, too confused to make sense of any of it.

Jane gestured gently to the room. "Feel free to look around. Everything here now belongs to you."

I brushed my hand along the back of the velvet couch, then the edge of the bed. Fingers tracing the vanity, the delicate gold-framed mirror, the soft shine of its handles.

A walk-in closet stood to one side. I opened the door-and stopped cold.

Designer clothes. Shoes. Handbags. Silk. Lace. Labels I'd only ever seen online or in ads.

"I've never..." I murmured. "I've never had anything like this."

Jane stepped up beside me. "Mr. Storm brought in one of the best stylists in the

city. She asked about your favorite colors, your usual fits. Everything's been chosen with you in mind."

I shook my head slowly, overwhelmed. "This... this is breathtaking. I don't even know if I can accept it. It must've cost a fortune."

Her smile faltered. "Oh no, maybe I've said too much. Mr. Storm probably wanted

to show you himself. I didn't mean to spoil anything—"

She looked genuinely concerned, and that alone made guilt rise in my chest.

I reached for her hand gently. "Jane... Thank you. Really. I love it. You've been more than kind."

Relief softened her features. "I'll let you rest now," she said, then quietly stepped

out.

I stood in the center of the room-my new room-hell, my new home... as the door clicked softly shut behind her.

My chest swelled, overwhelmed with emotions I couldn't begin to name.

My eyes stung. He did all this? For me?

I remembered how I told him he didn't care. That I meant nothing to him.

But... this?

This room told a different story. The little details-the colors, the soft lighting, the

dresses, the books.

He'd listened.

And he remembered.

I walked over to the bed and sank

into it, my hand gliding across the silk sheets. He'd been building this for me all along. While I was angry While kept my distance. While convinced myself he didn't care.

I buried my face in my hands. And then it hit me-the shower. The way I broke

down.

My heart kicked hard against my ribs.

Oh God!

He heard me?

He saw me?

Panic twisted in my stomach. Was he coming here? What if he walked in?

I stood abruptly and started pacing until something caught my eye.

A satin robe laid out on a nearby bench. Beneath it, a delicate set of lace

lingerie...

I lifted it.

My exact size.

I showered slowly, still drifting in a haze, and when I stepped out, I slipped into the

lingerie without thinking.

It felt soft. Expensive. Like I didn't belong in it—and yet, like he believed I did.

I slid beneath the covers, pulling the plush duvet up to my chin.

But sleep didn't come. I tossed. Turned. Drifted in and out of strange, restless

half-dreams.

Then... I saw it.

A shape in the corner. Still. Watching.

My heart stopped.

I sat up fast, breath caught in my throat.

And then-

A voice.

Low. Familiar. Dark.

"Shh... don't be scared. It's me."

Gabriel.

Relief hit me sudden and dizzying.

Before I could speak, I felt the bed shift. A slow dip. Someone there.

He was climbing in.

Not rushed. Not forceful. Just... calm.

The room was dim. I couldn't see him clearly-just the outline of his body as he

moved closer, the silk sheets ruffling around us.

"Gabriel..." My voice came out small.

He didn't respond. Not with words.

But I felt him. Near. Warm.

And I didn't move.

I couldn't.