Clairessa’s POVEveryone laughed as I turned back to them, my cheeks flushed. “Have I told you guys how much I love this man?”Gabriel slipped an arm around my waist, leaning down to murmur, “Not enough. Say it louder.”I swatted his chest, laughing, but before I could retort, Raquel swooped in, pulling me into her arms.“Congratulations, Claire. I knew it. From the very beginning, I’ve always known you would do great things.... and I also knew you and Gabriel were perfect for each other. And now look at you. Married, a baby, and now a CEO too.”“You were right,” I said, smiling as I hugged her tighter.Sergio followed, clasping my hand in his and kissing my cheek. “Congratulations, Clairessa. You’ve made my friend a better man, and you’ve built something incredible. I couldn’t be happier for you both.”“Thank you,” I replied softly, my chest warm with gratitude.Dinner was warm, laughter filled everywhere as glasses clinked, stories flowed, and the sound of the waves outside blended
Clairessa’s POV The stage lights were hot, but the warmth I felt wasn’t from them. It was from the hundreds of faces staring back at me, cameras flashing, the anticipation alive in the air. For a moment, I stood at the microphone podium, trying to take in the reality of it all, my reality. I took a steady breath and let my words pour from the heart. “This app started as messy sketches in my college dorm closet,” I began, and laughter rippled through the crowd. “And today, here we are. My dream is no longer just notes on paper. It’s living, breathing, real.” I paused, letting my eyes sweep across the sea of expectant smiles. “Now.... confession time. This app was actually supposed to launch a year ago.” A playful grin tugged at my lips. “But as you all know, having a baby takes a little more time than debugging codes.” The room burst into laughter, loud and genuine. Cameras flashed like starlight, capturing every second. I leaned in with mock seriousness. “Between midnight feedin
Clairessa’s POV A soft, startled cry, the sweetest music I’d ever heard. Our baby. I lay back against the bed, drenched in exhaustion, my body trembling from the most excruciating pain I’d ever endured…. yet it was pain I would suffer a thousand times over for this moment. Gabriel sat beside me, cradling the tiny bundle against his chest, gently rocking her back and forth. Her eyes squeezed shut as she drifted back to sleep, her breathing soft and even against him. She was perfect. Pale skin, cheeks plump and flushed, lips pursed like she was already annoyed at us for disturbing her peace. Her tiny hand curled around Gabriel’s thumb, impossibly small, impossibly soft. She wore a newborn onesie with bold letters across the front: *Welcome to the world, little princess.* Gabriel’s voice broke through the silence first. He stared down at her in awe, his eyes glistening. “She’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “Better than I could have ever dreamed.” He leaned down, pres
Clairessa’s POV The diamond glittered so brightly it almost mocked me for staring at it for the millionth time. I couldn’t help it. The stone was flawless, clear-cut, catching the soft light of the morning and throwing it back in brilliant flashes. It had to be worth a fortune… maybe a million, maybe two. Something outrageous, the kind of thing only Gabriel Storm would think was normal. But today, I wasn’t just staring at my engagement ring. My gaze lingered on the slender band of diamond beside it, the symbol of my marriage. I traced it with my thumb… my wedding band. My proof that I was officially Gabriel’s wife. Even now, weeks later, the word still felt like a dream I hadn’t woken up from. I wanted to pinch myself just to be sure it was real. I’d lost count of how many times I turned my hand back and forth, admiring the way the two rings looked together… as if they’d been waiting all along to sit there on my finger. Twenty-nine days, seventeen hours, and God knows how many mi
Clairessa’s POV Gabriel’s face went pale, his breath stuttering as he tightened his hold. “Now? Here? Jesus….” he cursed under his breath, the words tumbling out ragged, raw panic pouring from him. I winced theatrically, clutching his shoulder tighter. “I told you…my water could break at any minute.” The sheer terror in his eyes nearly broke me. He looked like the ground had been ripped out from beneath him, and yet, somehow, he was still trying to act strong for me. “Great thing…” he muttered frantically, as though reminding himself, “…Daddy plans ahead.” Then his head snapped toward the musicians playing at the edge of the deck. His voice boomed so loud it startled even me. “You!” he barked at the violinist, nearly making the poor man drop his bow. “Run inside, now! Tell them to get the doctor! Right now!” The stunned violinist nearly tripped over his chair as he scrambled, his bow clattering to the floor. And God help me, that’s when guilt nipped at me. Watching the sheer p
Clairessa’s POVDinner had been set up on the upper deck, Gabriel’s usual brand of over-the-top. Rose petals scattered across the table, a violinist playing quietly in the corner, and the ocean stretched dark and endless around us. Extravagant, dramatic, and just…..perfect.The food had been rich, almost too much, but I savored every bite. Now, with my head resting against Gabriel’s chest and his arms wrapped around me as we stood by the rail, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.“Dinner was perfect,” I murmured, watching the waves. “The food, the music, everything. The chef outdid himself. I enjoyed every bit….. I swear I almost cleared the entire table.”“That’s the point of a vacation.” Gabriel reached up, brushing my hair gently to one side of my neck, his fingers lingering for a moment. “You don’t stop yourself. You eat until you can’t anymore.”I tilted my chin up at him, fighting a smile. “And this….. your idea of simple?” My tone was playful, teasing. “Remind me never to co