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

Clairessa's POV

Chapter 116: A Billionaire's Gift

Back home, I struggled to concentrate on the work in front of me on my laptop screen as Jess's nagging voice from behind kept breaking my focus. I clenched my jaw, fingers tightening around my pen as I stared at the screen, refusing to pay her any attention.

"Claire, you know I'm not going to let you work in peace until you spill... You didn't come home last night. That only means one thing."

I looked back, giving her my best mock-angry glare. "I already told you. I went out." My voice was steadier than I expected, but Jess wasn't buying it.

She hopped onto my desk, using her hip to shove my files aside as she made herself comfortable. Arms crossed, lips curling in disbelief. "Oh, please. We've been friends for a decade, and you've never kept a secret

from me."

Rubbing my temples, I leaned back. "There is no secret to tell."

Jess huffed dramatically. "Liar."

"Fine," I exhaled. "I went over to Gabriel's apartment. He invited me to a dinner celebration for the deal we closed. He cooked. We ate. That's all."

Jess arched a brow, skepticism written all over her face. "That was it?"

"Yes."

Chapter 116: A Billionaire's Gift

A slow, knowing smile tugged at her lips. "I know what this is. You had a great night of wild sex, and now you can't even look me in the eye."

right.

Heat crept up my neck. "You're being ridiculous," I muttered, hoping to deter Jess-even though she was

"Am I?" She leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "I'm telling you, men like Gabriel Storm are dangerous. They get under your skin, make you crave them until you don't know how to breathe without them. They're intoxicating. One minute, you think you're in control, and the next, he owns you. Completely. And I only want to protect you."

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang. Relief flooded me as she slid off the desk. "I'll get it."

She paused halfway, turning back with a pointed look. "You've been saved by the bell. But this conversation isn't over."

Then she disappeared down the hall. I let out a deep breath, grateful for the interruption.

I knew she wasn't going to stop pestering me. And honestly, I wasn't in the mood for one of her lectures. Maybe she was right-maybe my relationship with Gabriel was dangerous. But the truth was, I was too into him

to stop now.

A moment later, her voice echoed through the apartment, filled with excitement. "It seems you have a delivery, and you might want to come see this."

A delivery? That was weird-I hadn't ordered anything. I muttered to myself as I stood up.

Curious, I got up and walked to the door, only for my heart to stop the moment I stepped outside.

08:24 Fri, 14 Mar

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Chapter 116: A Billionaire's Gift

A sleek car sat in the driveway, shining under the sunlight. A bouquet of deep red roses lay on the hood, with a small envelope tucked between them."

"Holy shit." Jess pointed at the uniformed delivery guy, then swung her hand toward the car. "This man just said this Aston Martin DB12 Volante is yours." "What?" I blurted out, completely shocked. "There's no way-'

"1

"Yes way! Oh my God!" Jess screamed, practically hyperventilating. "I think I'm going to faint."

The delivery man approached. "Miss Clairessa Hartwood?"

I nodded, too stunned to speak.

He smiled. "Then this delivery is yours." He gestured to the car. "Please sign here."

I stared at the beautiful car, then back at the man holding out the paperwork, my brain struggling to process what was happening. There was only one person this could be from.

Still in shock, I reached for the paper and signed.

The delivery man handed me the key fob.

While I stood there, stuck in some limbo between disbelief and awe, Jess was already circling the car, running her hands over the sleek exterior.

She took the roses from the hood, inhaled their scent, then pulled the envelope free.

8. 08.

Chapter 116: A Billionaire's Gift

Her eyes widened as she read the name. "Gabriel Storm. Freaking hell, Claire! He bought you a car!" She gasped dramatically. "Wait... did you know about this?"

I shot her a glare. "No! I didn't! He only hinted at a surprise when I asked him to return my car after the repairs."

Jess clutched her chest, looking like she might faint. "You are so lucky. Why are you standing there like you've seen a ghost? Take the damn car!"

Shaking my head, I stared at the extravagant gift, feeling overwhelmed. This was too much. Too grand. A lump formed in my throat. "I can't accept this." Jess groaned. "What do you mean you can't accept this?"

"Because it's too much," I muttered, rubbing my forehead. "A gift like this makes me feel indebted. What if this thing between us blows over? I don't want to owe him something so huge."

"You're overthinking it."noveldrama

I narrowed my eyes. "Weren't you the one telling me to end things with him two minutes ago? Because he's 'dangerous'? And now you want me to take the car?"

Jess shrugged. “Okay, I guess I said that, but come on, Claire-let's be real. You're not going to stop seeing him. So why not enjoy a brand-new car instead of wasting time arguing over that old jubk.

I crossed my arms. "That 'old junk' was bought with my hard-earned money. And

if I recall correctly, it's saved your ass more times than I can count."

08:25 Fri, 14 Mar

Chapter 116: A Billionaire's Gift

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Jess held up her hands. "I know, I know. But listen, Claire..." She took my hands, her tone turning softer. This is a gift. Gabriel is a billionaire. Do you really think this even makes a dent in his bank account?"

"It doesn't matter," I argued. "I just wanted my car back, not some extravagant gift. This is too much. Besides, I have a plan to get my own car."

Jess snorted. "Have you forgotten the money troubles and loans your parents were drowning in? The reason you gave them your entire savings? That same plan will take months before you can afford another car." She gestured toward the car. "So either you tell Gabriel the truth, or you take this beauty and enjoy it."

I chewed on my lip, feeling torn between guilt and undeniable excitement. Jess had a point-I needed the car. But I couldn't shake the feeling that accepting it made me a fraud. I wasn't being completely honest, and deep down, I knew I couldn't come clean. Not yet. Not until I was sure how Gabriel felt-and whether he would forgive me.

"I can't accept this."

Jess sighed dramatically. “Look at it this way-he replaced your car because he didn't want you risking your life in that death trap you call a vehicle, which is practically held together by duct tape and prayers. You need this."

She fanned herself. “Do you even realize how expensive this baby is? I swear, I need to start dating billionaires."

I shot her a pointed look, lips pressing into a thin line. "Jess, can you stop trash- talking my car?"

She tilted her head with an exasperated smirk. "Former car... Okay, fine... I'll stop. But you need-"

I barely heard the rest. My head spun as I stared at the car, zoning out.

"Claire." Jess waved a hand in front of my face. "You're not saying anything."

"I need a moment," I muttered, pulling out my phone. My thumb hovered over

Gabriel's number before I tapped it and called.

The call went to voicemail.

A second later, a text buzzed through.

Hey, sweetheart.

I'm in a meeting. Text me.

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding.

A war raged inside me. This felt like a commitment I wasn't sure I was ready for.