Lahat ng Kabanata ng Falling For My Ex's Dad: Kabanata 231 - Kabanata 240

Gabriel’s POVFucking hell.Of all the women in the world, it had to be my ex-wife. Adrian’s mother.Angelique.The last person I ever expected to see at Randolph’s party, dripping in pearls, wearing that glowing emerald dress, and flashing the same carefree laugh that used to drive me insane.Now? It disgusted me completely.I hadn’t seen her in over ten years, by choice. And now she was being introduced as Randolph’s wife’s “dear friend.”What were the fucking odds?I felt the blood drain from my face. My fists clenched at my sides.Damn it.Angelique's eyes locked on mine across the crowd.I didn’t even know how to feel. Anger? Numbness? It was a toxic blend of both. But more than anything, I could feel Clairessa’s eyes shift to me. She looked confused and shocked. So did Adrian.“Dad,” Adrian said, stepping closer to me, his voice tense. “Did you know about this?”I shook my head immediately. “Of course I didn’t.”Adrian scoffed. “Wow, so she’s just been living her life all these

Gabriel’s POVAfter nearly an hour of searching, I finally spotted Clairessa on the far side of the garden with Lisa.She held a glass of champagne in one hand, her back partially turned as she spoke. Her other hand clutched her phone, screen lit, clearly active.But then she looked up and gave Lisa a polite nod, pretending to be engaged in the conversation.So she was ignoring my texts on purpose.Was she trying to avoid me?I needed to fix this. Now.Lisa gave her a gentle tap on the shoulder, murmured something, then stepped away to greet a couple walking past.This was my chance.I crossed the garden in long strides, ignoring every attempt at small talk. I didn’t stop until I was beside her.I leaned in, my voice low against her ear.“Why haven’t you been replying to my texts… when your phone is clearly in your hand?”She put her phone to the side and turned slowly.“I don’t know,” she said, voice slightly detached. “Maybe because your ex-wife showed up, and all the emotional chao

Clairessa’s POV The morning sun should’ve felt refreshing. Instead, it just reminded me that the weekend was over, and reality was about to hit hard. Our luggage was lined up along the marble walkway. Everyone was packed and ready to leave. Randolph stood proudly at the center of it all, arms stretched wide like a man who just conquered time itself. "Thank you all so much for coming," he said with a voice that carried across the courtyard. "It was a fantastic birthday. A damn fantastic one." Gabriel was the first to step forward. "Thank you, Randolph. You really pulled it off." Adrian clapped his hand firmly. "The food, the band, the people, you really did the most." I smiled as I walked up to him. "Thank you so much, Randolph. It was truly a fantastic birthday. I just pray you get many more years, more strength, and when you hit your next big milestone, we’ll all be right there celebrating with you again." Randolph laughed hard. "Oh, one hundred percent. No matter wher

Clairessa’s POVGabriel’s eyes narrowed. “What the fuck are you doing in Clairessa’s room?”Angelique blinked, unfazed. “I should be asking you, Gabriel. What are you doing in your son’s girlfriend’s room… while she’s dressed in nothing but a towel?”Gabriel’s fury ignited instantly. “You’ve got some goddamn nerve to question me in my own house.”“I didn’t mean to…” she began, hands lifting defensively.“You never mean to,” he cut in harshly. “But you always do, don’t you?”Angelique exhaled, trying to keep her tone calm. “Gabriel, I’m not here to cause trouble. I simply asked the help where Clairessa’s room was because I thought it might be nice for the two of us to have a little girl talk. That’s all.”“You have no right to ask about Clairessa’s room,” Gabriel barked. “And you sure as hell don’t get to try and speak with her. You don’t even know her.”“I…”“I don’t want to hear from you,” he growled. “You need to leave. Now. And do well to stay out of my way while you’re under my ro

Gabriel’s POVClairessa’s reply came in too fast.Clairessa: Gabriel! …we can't yet, that’d be too suspicious.Gabriel: I don’t care. No one touches what’s mine. Not even my son. I need him away from you before I lose it.Clairessa: Relax, Mr. Possessive. He can’t do anything here. But… it’s kinda hot when you’re like this.Gabriel: I’m one step away from announcing to this damn table that you’re my woman.Clairessa: Not yet. Not with your ex-wife two seats away playing mind games. I don’t want you to lose Adrian over me.I read her message and exhaled slowly. She was right, as always. I needed to cool down.Still, I caught the way Angelique’s gaze moved between us. She knew something was up.“Clairessa,” she asked. “Is that work?”“You caught me,” Clairessa replied with a small smile. “Apologies. Just wrapping some unfinished work up.”“Seems Gabriel is too,” Angelique added with a tilt of her head. “You both must work closely.”I didn’t bother looking at her. “Stay out of my busines