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

Chapter 121: Time To End It All

Clairessa's POV After having lunch with Daniel, I was back at Storm Innovations, standing in front of the elevator, impatiently gripping my phone. Gabriel had called multiple times, and I had ignored every single one. Hi's messages sat unread, and guilt ate at me. I needed to get back to my office, bury myself in work, and use it as an excuse for not checking my phone. Maybe then, I could figure out what to say to him. The elevator finally chimed, the doors sliding open. But just as I stepped forward, someone walked out-straight into my path. Adrian. I froze. He stepped out, his gaze locking onto mine, stopping me in my tracks. "Clairessa," he greeted smoothly, his voice carrying a familiarity that grated on my nerves. I swallowed hard, gripping my phone even tighter. I hadn't expected to see him here. Then again, why was I even surprised? This was his father's company. He had every right to be here whenever he wanted. But this time, unlike before, the rage I used to feel wasn't there. The hurt lingered, but it was different-dull, almost superficial. Adrian looked different, too. He had always prided himself on his appearance when we were together-always clean-shaven, always polished. Now, though still handsome and tall, he looked like he hadn't shaved in days. Dark circles framed his eyes, making it clear he hadn't been sleeping properly either. "Adrian," I finally said, keeping my voice neutral. A small smirk tugged at his lips. "I'm glad I ran into you." He stepped closer, closing the space between us. I held my ground. "I'm sure. What are you doing here, anyway?" I asked, hoping he wasn't here just to stalk me. "My dad invited me to lunch," he replied. "And the only reason I agreed was because I thought it was a great opportunity to see you. So before you get upset, this isn't me seeking you out. This is fate, Claire." His voice dropped low. "Bumping into you like this-it's the universe telling me I was right not to give up on us." A dry laugh escaped me. "Adrian, I can't do this right now." I wasn't sure what game he was playing. He had never been sweet or poetic when we were together. And now he believed in fate and the universe? It felt too convenient. "It was good seeing you, but I must get back to work," I added quickly, reaching for the elevator button, eager to put distance between us. Before I could press it, his hand covered mine, stopping me. "Claire... you can't run from me forever." I glared at

him, my

frustration building as I snatched my hand away. "I'm not running. We simply don't have anything to talk about." He let out a deep, almost desperate breath. "Yes, we do. We need to talk about us. I miss you. I miss us." He stepped even closer, backing me against the wall. Panic shot through me. If Gabriel saw this-if anyone saw this-rumors would spread. I wanted Gabriel to hear the truth from me, not someone else. "Adrian," I pushed back forcefully against his chest. "I've made it clear that we are done. So stop this madness, especially at my workplace. It's inappropriate and puts me in a bad light." He pulled back slightly, giving me a little space. "It was never my intention to affect your job. As much as I wanted to see you all these months, I respected your decision. Considering how you begged me never to show up here or tell my dad about us..." His voice trailed off, jaw tightening before he continued. "But you've left me no choice. You're not picking up my calls. You told Jess to lie to me about your whereabouts. I thought giving you time would help, but it's not working. All I want is for us to talk." "We have nothing to talk about," I bit out, done with his manipulations. "So stop all of this." "I can't," he murmured, his eyes dark with emotion. "I won't. Not until you hear me out." He reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek. "If you don't agree to have dinner with me, then I'll have no choice but to show up here. Every, Single. Day." I turned my face away, avoiding his touch, annoyed at his audacity. "You wouldn't dare." He smirked. "Oh, I will. As a matter of fact, I'll tell my dad I'm interested in joining the family business. I'll take an office right next to yours." My heart clenched. "Quit being ridiculous. You hate tech. You hate everything about your dad's company." He shrugged. "You're right about that," he admitted, amusement dancing in his eyes. "But the woman I love works in tech. And I'd do anything to have her back." The way he looked at me told me he meant every word. This was a disaster waiting to happen. If Adrian told Gabriel about us, or even carried out his threats... Shit. Everything would come crashing down, and I could lose it all. I couldn't take that risk. I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Just one dinner." Adrian's expression shifted, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Friday night. My restaurant. 7 PM. Don't be late." He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my cheek. I turned my face away atnoveldrama

the last second, refusing to meet his gaze again. But unlike before, there were no butterflies. Once upon a time, Adrian's presence had set my heart racing. Now? Now I just felt numb. I just needed him gone. And if dinner was the price I had to pay? So be it. The workday was finally over, and I couldn't wait to go home. With everything that had happened-from my unexpected lunch with Daniel to Adrian ambushing me at work-I was exhausted, both mentally and physically. All I wanted was to get home, take a long shower, and pretend this entire day never happened. I stepped out of the building, rubbing my temples as I pulled out my phone, my unread messages from Gabriel still staring back at me. Before I could even think about responding, a sleek black SUV pulled up in front of me. I frowned, slowing my steps. The door opened, and Dario stepped out. My

widened. "Dario?" He nodded once, his usual stoic expression in place. "Miss Claire." I blinked in shock. eyes "What are you doing here?" "Mr. Storm sent me to pick you up and bring you home," he said simply, as if this was a completely normal situation. I hesitated. "Wait-what? He didn't inform me that you'd be picking me up." "Well... Miss Claire, my orders from Mr. Storm are clear. I'm to bring you to him." Dario's expression remained serious. "He also mentioned that you didn't drive to work today and didn't want you taking a cab or riding with anyone else." "Dario, I appreciate it, but I can manage. I'll just-" "Miss Claire," Dario interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "I was instructed not to take no for an answer." I sighed, glancing at my screen once more. Of course Gabriel wouldn't just let me go home on my own-not after I had ignored his calls all day. He certainly loved maintaining control over me. "Fine," I muttered, reluctantly walking toward the SUV. Dario stepped aside, opening the door for me. "After you." I slid into the seat, sinking into the plush leather as he shut the door and got behind the wheel. The drive was silent. Dario never spoke more than necessary, and tonight was no different. But my mind? It was loud. Gabriel had called me so many times, sent messages I hadn't answered. And now, instead of me going home, Dario was driving me straight to Gabriel's house. Was he angry? Frustrated? Or worse... was he beginning to doubt me? I ran my fingers over my phone, debating whether to send him a quick message, but what would I even say? Sorry for ignoring you, I just had a chaotic day? It wouldn't be enough. Gabriel hated being ignored, and I knew it. He was surely pissed as hell. By the time Dario pulled up to Gabriel's mansion, my nerves were on high alert. The best option was to come clean and tell him the truth. After today, I didn't want any more lies hanging over our relationship. It was time to end it all.