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

Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

Clairessa's POV

Chapter 17. Leaving The Trauma Behind

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'I woke up, my arms instinctively reaching out for Gabriel, but the side of the bed where he slept was empty. A wave of disappointment hit me as I realized he was gone. The memories of last night started flooding back, and I tried to push away the thoughts of that horrible man, Marco. The fear and pain he had inflicted still lingered in my mind.

If Gabriel hadn't arrived in time, who knows what Marco might have done? I shuddered at the thought but quickly pushed it away.

It felt like all my hopes were crashing before they even began. I couldn't help but feel sad, knowing today was the last day of the trip, and we still hadn't secured an investor. But I didn't want to dwell on the negatives.

I needed to focus on the fact that I was safe. And it was all thanks to Gabriel. He had rescued and

defended me in a way no one ever had.

There was a tenderness in him I hadn't seen before. His warmth, his strength–that was what I wanted to

remember.

With Gabriel's arms around me, I had slept like a baby. It was the first real rest I'd had in what felt like forever. My fingers softly caressed the spot where Gabriel had lain, inhaling the musky scent he left behind.

That's when I noticed the note on the pillow beside me. I picked it up and read it. His handwriting was bold and somewhat beautiful... it was so him.

I hope you were able to sleep well. I'm sorry I had to leave, but breakfast is served. Get some rest-we'll be leaving soon.

C

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Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

-Gabriel Storm

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I smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. Sitting up, I looked over at the living area and saw the array of food laid out on the table. It was as if he'd ordered the entire menu-pancakes, strawberries, grapes, eggs, hot dogs... everything I could possibly want and more.

I slipped a grape into my mouth, savoring its sweetness as I thought of Gabriel. Despite everything, he was all

I wanted right now. The tenderness he had shown me last night only made me want him more.

As I nibbled on a pancake, my thoughts drifted to what it would be like to spend just one night with him. Maybe if I gave in to this desire, it would finally rid me of the cravings I felt whenever he was near. I didn't want to want him, but I couldn't help how my body reacted to him, how it burned for his touch.

And then, there was the plan for my revenge. I hadn't forgotten that. Adrian had hurt me deeply, and all I wanted was to hurt him right back. Gabriel was a major part of that plan, whether he knew it or not.

Hours later, I was dressed in a sunflower dress, my suitcase packed and ready by the door. I had made up my mind to leave behind the trauma of what happened with Marco in this room, no matter how sad I felt.

Even though we hadn't secured an investor for my app, I knew I couldn't give up hope just yet. I had to focus on the future, and I couldn't do that by dwelling on yesterday's pain.

Gabriel pushed open the door and walked in. "How do you feel?" he asked, his eyes filled with the same tenderness I'd seen last night.

"Much better,” I replied, managing a soft smile.

"That's good to hear," he said, his voice gentle as he brushed a thumb across my cheek. "I want to book

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Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

you an appointment with a therapist... she's really good."

Thanks, Mr. Storm, but I don't think I need one," I said, a bit defensively. The thought of sharing intimate details about myself with someone else didn't sit well with me. I wasn't ready.

“That's alright,” he said calmly, sensing my apprehension. “Whenever you're ready, just let me know.” He gave me a reassuring smile before reaching for my hand luggage on the bed.

I placed my hand over his, our eyes locking briefly. "You don't have to."

“I do,” he replied, his tone firm but kind. “The butler will get the rest.” He took the luggage and walked toward the door. I glanced around the room quickly, making sure I wasn't forgetting anything

During the ride back, Gabriel spoke on the phone in French, and once the call ended, his expression turned into a tense frown. Something was wrong.

“What happened?" I asked softly.

Gabriel sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “Marco and his men escaped last night, just before the cops arrived," he said, his voice tight with frustration. His jaw clenched, and I could see the strain on his face. He was trying to keep it together, but the news clearly affected him, as it did me.

I swallowed, my mind spinning for a moment, but I forced myself to remain calm. “It's alright,” I said quietly, resting my hand on his arm. “I'm just grateful you got there in time to save me. That's what matters most."

His eyes met mine, dark with intensity. "I promise you, Clairessa, I'll find him. And when I do, I'll make him pay for what he tried to do to you."

There was a fierceness in his voice, a protectiveness that both touched and concerned me. I didn't want

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Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

Gabriel to carry the burden of my vengeance on his shoulders. I didn't want him to feel responsible for my pain. “Mr. Storm," I began, choosing my words carefully, "I've decided to leave the horrifying experience of that night back at the hotel. It's too much trauma to take with me when there's so much to live for." Gabriel's gaze softened, confusion mixed with admiration in his eyes. “How can you be so forgiving and calm after everything?" he asked, his voice low as if he couldn't comprehend how I could move forward so easily.

I smiled briefly, trying to convey the peace I had found within myself. "I don't forgive that psycho as a favor to him,” I explained. “I do it for myself. If I truly want to move on, then I have to let go of the pain from yesterday. Carrying it with me will only keep me chained to the past.”

Gabriel looked at me for a long moment, as if trying to understand how I could be so strong. "You're so different... your heart is amazing,” he said quietly. His hand tightened around mine, the warmth of his touch grounding me.

"Then I guess you're stronger than some of us, who after many years still can't let go of past hurt..."

I met his gaze, offering a small smile. “I'm just trying to be free."

As the car came to a stop in my driveway, Gabriel took my hand, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. “I'm sorry for not believing you right away and even letting it get that far with Marco," his voice heavy with regret. “I promise you, I'll make him pay. Rest assured."

I smiled, touched by his words. No one had ever fought for me so gallantly before, and it made me feel something deeper inside for him. “It's alright, Mr. Storm. I'm also sorry about the company losing the

funding..."

He gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch warm and comforting. “There's nothing to be sorry about. Marco is a monster, and he doesn't deserve to work with us. I'll find other investors, and if I have to, I'll fund it myself. Don't worry." His thumb brushed my cheek again, sending a wave of warmth through me.

For the first time in a long while, I felt protected. Cared for. Gabriel made me feel something that no one

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Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

else ever had. In the past, Adrian had fought for me once when a guy tried to kiss me at a party, but afterward,

he found a way to blame me for it. I ended up feeling guilty. But Gabriel was different. In less than 24 hours, he had gone from cold and distant to tender.

I couldn't help but lean in closer, watching as his breathing quickened, and he leaned in too, our lips just inches apart. The sexual pull between us was electric, and all I could think about was how much I wanted to

kiss him.

But then, just as our lips were about to meet, he pulled back, his gaze darkened.

"Take the week off, Clairessa," he said, his voice firm.

"There's no need for that, Mr. Storm-"

"It's an order, Clairessa," he interrupted, leaving no room for argument. "Goodbye." He turned away, looking

straight ahead.

"Mr. Storm..." I managed to say, though I wanted to argue. But he didn't turn back, and with trembling hands, I opened the door and stepped out.

When I got inside, the apartment was empty. Jess was out, likely with friends, living her wild, carefree life. She was always the outgoing one, while I had always been the shy one. But that was coming to an end.

I scrolled through my phone, seeing several missed calls and messages from Adrian. I wanted to block him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Despite everything, I still cared about him, even though I wanted to hate him. The hurt and pain I had been through had birthed a new woman-one who was daring and knew what she wanted. I was going to get my revenge, and I was going to do it by sleeping with Gabriel Storm. Just for a night, I told myself... though deep down, I feared that one night wouldn't be enough.

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13:42 e, 11 Feb M