FULL NOVELXO Chapter Dad By Oma 67
Chapter 67: Dealing With Hurt From The Past
I flinched, the memory coming back in flashes. “Then don't ask me to let it go when you can't understand!" My voice came out harsh, my suppressed rage spilling over.
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Sergio's hand fell to his side, but his eyes stayed locked on me. "I'm not asking you to let it go for them," he pointed at my chest. "I'm asking you to let it go for you."
I scoffed, brushing past him. "I'm good, Serg. As you can see." I gestured to myself, to the clean shirt and trousers I had thrown on. I wanted to look composed, like I had it all together, even though I knew I didn't.
He shook his head, his lips pressing into a faint smile. "You might look fine, but I know you, Gabe. Deep down, you're not. You've carried this pain for years, and it's killing you. The spark in your eyes is gone, and it's been gone for a long time."
His words hit too close to home, and I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “I don't want to talk about this," I gritted through my teeth.
But Sergio didn't let up. I heard him step closer. "You're the one who taught me about love, about family." His voice softened, almost nostalgic. “In the past, I secretly envied how much you loved your family, Gabe. You made constant sacrifices for them. You showed me what it meant to be a man who cared."
My head snapped back toward him, my eyes burning with anger. "And look where that got me!" I spat, my words furious. "It got me nothing. It destroyed me."
My chest heaved as I ran a hand through my hair, trying to push the emotions down. "I'm happy you've found love, Serg. I really am. I hope it works out for you. But stop trying to find someone who doesn't exist anymore.” My voice dropped, turning cold again.
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Chapter 67: Dealing With Hurt From The Past
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For a moment, Sergio said nothing. Then he shook his head slowly. "That's a fucking lie, Gabe. Because I saw him yesterday in my office."
I stiffened, my gaze narrowing.
"You thought I didn't notice?” Sergio sounded so sure. "When it was just you and me in the office yesterday? How jealous you got, watching her with Daniel at the pool? The way you couldn't take your eyes off her. I saw it all, Gabe from my window.
I took a step back, shaking my head. "I don't want to talk about this." My voice was my tone final. I turned, ready to leave, but his voice stopped me in my tracks.
"You've been saying the same thing for over fifteen fucking years!" Sergio's voice rose behind me, angry. "When is it going to be the right time, Gabe? Huh? When?"
I spun around, my eyes blazing with fury.
Sergio held his hands up, his expression softening again. “Angelique hurt you, Gabe. She hurt you in a way I can't even imagine. But she's moved on. She's not living with this. anymore. You are. And it's killing you."
The sound of her name felt like a knife twisting in my chest. You know how badly she broke me. And yet here you are, telling me to let it go like it's that easy!"
Sergio's shoulders slumped. "Calm down, Gabe. I'm well aware of all the pain she caused you. I was there to pick up the pieces. Remember?
He took a step back, giving me space. “I'm just trying to help.”
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My shoulders tensesd as I tried to calm my temper. "If you really want to help, then why the fuck is Daniel here?” My words came out like a growl, my fists clenching as I glared at him.
Sergio held up his hands, his expression calm but his eyes filled with regret. "I thought you both could-"
"Could what, Serg?!" I barked, stepping closer until I was inches from him. I took a step closer, my emotions getting the best of me. "I could peg you for a lot of things, but not a clown. You expect me to make peace with the man who ripped my life to shreds? A man I once called a brother?" My eyes darkened, locking onto his. “Is that what you're asking me to do?"
For a moment, Sergio looked like he might back off. But then he straightened his shoulders. He had seen me angry too many times, so I wasn't suprised that he didn't cower away. "Gabe, calm down. I'm not your enemy."
His hands stayed raised as if trying to pacify me.
I stared at him for a long moment, my breathing forceful as I reminded myself that Serg was right, he wasn't the one who hurt me. “If you really want to help me, Sergio, then stay out of it,” I muttered, my voice much calmer.
I did stay out of it," he pressed on. "For over fifteen years. You asked me to never speak about that night again, and I didn't. Not until yesterday. But I can't do it anymore, Gabe. I can't watch you keep living like this." Finally, I took a step back, running a hand through my hair as I turned away. "I don't need you to fix me, Sergio. I'm fine."
"No, you're not," Sergio's voice broke slightly as he stepped closer. "The spark in your eyes-it's gone, Gabe. And it's been gone for years. You've turned into someone I barely recognize, and I can't sit back and watch it anymore."
I turned to face him, my eyes burning with rage."Goddamn it! Can't you see? That version of me is dead! My voice cracked slightly, but I didn't care. “He's never coming back, Sergio."
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Chapter 67: Dealing With Hurt From The Past
Sergio's gaze softened, and he shook his head slowly. “Maybe that's just the lie you've been telling yourself," he insisted, his voice full of believe in me.
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"Why don't you give your heart a second chance?" His voice was quieter now, almost pleading. "I've seen the way you look at Clairessa, Gabe. The way your eyes light up when she walks into a room."
I swallowed hard, soaking in the harsh reality of Sergio's words.
He pressed on, his tone gentle but insistent. "You're jealous, Gabe. I saw it the first night at dinner, and I saw
it yesterday. But if you keep acting like this, pushing her away, you're going to lose her. Daniel really likes her, and if you don't make a move, he'll-"
me."
“That bastard,” I grunted, my fists trembling with anger. “He always wants to take everything away from Sergio tilted his head, watching me carefully. "Then do something about it, Gabe. Before it's too late."
I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair. "I don't care for Clairessa, Serg. So he can have her.” My voice was flat, cold, but I couldn't meet his eyes.
“Daniel is serious about her,” he said after a moment, his tone softer now. “We talked yesterday. He's thinking about long-term, Gabe. Marriage."
My head spun for a second, and I scoffed, disbelief and anger flashing across my face. "Marriage? He barely knows her." My voice was with contempt. "I'm sure it's just one of his sick lies to lure her into his bed."
Sergio shook his head. "I don't think so. He seemed genuine, Gabe. Daniel told me everything, about what happened all those years ago. There's more to the story than you know. If you'd just give him a chance to explain-"
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“Stop.” I raised a hand, cutting him off. My voice was firm. "I don't want to hear it. Nothing you say will change
my mind."
Sergio's shoulders sagged slightly, but his eyes remained on me. “Fine,” he replied after a long pause. “But I'll say this, Gabe. Life's too short to carry this much pain. And you can't make a final judgment without knowing the full story. You taught me that."
Her words struck a chord I wasn't ready to confront. What if I'd been wrong all these years? What if Daniel... didn't know? I shook my head, trying to block out the doubts creeping in. “I have to go,” I muttered, patting his shoulder before turning away.
"I saw her this morning. Clairessa."
I stopped dead in my tracks, my blood running cold. Slowly, I turned back to face him, my eyes narrowing.
"What did she tell you?"
Sergio's lips curved into a faint, teasing smirk. “She asked me to keep it a secret."
"Sergio, don't do this." I stepped closer, the desperation clear in my voice.
He tilted his head, his smirk widening slightly. "I thought you didn't care about her? That Daniel could have
her?"
I stammered, caught in my lie. “I just..... I need to know what she said.”
"She told me she likes you," Sergio said after a moment. "But it's complicated. And Daniel... he's been honest about his feelings for her. She's confused."
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Chapter 67: Dealing With Hurt From The Past
“Daniel will never have her,” I growled, storming off, my mind a battlefield of emotions.
“Then act fast,” Sergio called after me, her laughter trailing behind as I disappeared into the hallway.
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