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

Chapter 26: Controlling My Jealousy

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Clairessa's POV “So, who is she?” I asked, leaning in closer to wipe the lipstick stain left by Tina's annoying kiss, God, I hated how jealous I felt watching her kiss and speak to him, even though I knew I wasn't supposed to feel this way, I couldn't help myself. I wiped Gabriel's cheek with the pad of my thumb. He flinched at first but quickly relaxed. "You've got lipstick on your cheek," I murmured, cleaning the last red smudge before settling back into my seat. "Thanks," Gabriel smirked, his expression slightly stiff. "But my personal life is off-limits to you, Clairessa. Let's eat.” He signaled for the waiter, his gaze locked on mine with a trace of amusement in his eyes. I could feel it–there was something going on between Gabriel and Tina. The way she looked at him, how her hand lingered on his arm... It sent a surge of jealousy burning through me. I tried to suppress it, but the knot in my stomach tightened. I glanced down at the menu to distract myself, my eyes scanning dishes with names that sounded too fancy and foreign. Everything felt complicated and out of reach. I wasn't used to places like this. Adrian had taken me to high-end restaurants before, but it didn't matter much since he loved cooking more than eating out. Gabriel, noticing my discomfort, leaned in slightly. "Would you like me to order for both of us?" His voice, unexpectedly tender, drew my attention. “Yes, please,” I said, relieved as I set the menu aside. "We'll have the steak," Gabriel told the waiter, adding something about the finest wine and sides, It was the kind of luxury I wasn't used to. Once the waiter left, I met Gabriel's gaze again. “So, do you normally take your employees on lunch dates at fancy restaurants like this?" His lips curved into another smirk. "I find myself making exceptions with you.” I leaned in slightly, teasing, trying to break through the wall he always seemed to keep up. “So, am I allowed to feel special?” “Clairessa, you are special, regardless of whether I make exceptions for you. I think you already know that." My heart gave a small, excited leap at his words, and I couldn't help but smile. “You're right. I am special," I said, feeling a rush of pride. For so long, I had struggled to love myself, to feel like I was enough. Now, I was starting to believe it. “Good,” he said firmly, approving. His subtle smile sent warmth through me. Just as I was about to respond, Tina walked over to the table, her presence instantly commanding attention. My skin burned with jealousy as I watched her lean in, whispering something in Gabriel's ear, her hand sliding along the table to caress his palm. To make it worse, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek again, before walking away. I couldn't stop myself. The words burst out, raw and unfiltered. “Are you fucking her?” My voice shook slightly, anger and insecurity boiling over like a fire I couldn't control. Gabriel's expression turned rigid. I expected him to brush me off, to shut me down, but after a pause, he finally answered. "Not at the moment." His response left me feeling confused. I didn't know whether to feel relieved or hurt. Tina was flawless, like she belonged on the cover of a magazine. I, on the other hand, felt like I didn't measure up in any way, shape or form. "Why not?" I pressed, unable to let it go. “She looks like a runway model-mature, your type.” Gabriel's jaw clenched. “She used to be a runway model,” he replied, his voice almost taunting as he listed her impressive accomplishments. "Now, she works as an independent model for high-end brands." The jealousy inside me only grew. "You still haven't answered my question," I insisted, my voice hardening. "Why aren't you seeing her right now?" Gabriel leaned back, his voice low and controlled. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Clairessa. I have transactional relationships with women who understand the terms. As I said earlier, I'm not interested in her right now." "Is there someone else?" I asked, my tone subtly sarcastic. "Another shiny model? A new flavor of the month, perhaps?” “That's enough,” Gabriel snapped, his hands clasping together. “Next time, you'd do well to watch your language with me." I scoffed, feeling resentment spill into my reply. "Yes, sir,” I muttered sarcastically. The jealousy still churned inside me, but now there was something else- hurt. He could have any woman he wanted, and I hated how much I cared. The waiter arrived with our food, breaking the tension momentarily. The aroma of perfectly cooked steak filled the space between us, and I realized how hungry I was. Without thinking, I started eating, savoring every bite. It wasn't until I was nearly finished that I noticed Gabriel had rarely touched his plate. His eyes were glued to his phone, fingers tapping away. Embarrassment rushed through me. What must he think of me, devouring my food

10:13 Wed, 19 Feb

T

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Chapter 26: Controlling My Jealousy

like a hungry lion while he worked? Gabriel glanced up, catching my flustered expression. He gave me a small, knowing smile. “Clairessa, there's no need to be shy about finishing your meal. I actually like that you enjoyed what I ordered." I smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. “I did," I admitted softly. "I'll be speaking at a seminar tomorrow,” he continued, his tone gentler than before. “I'd like you to come with me." My heart raced at his invitation. Was he asking me to spend more time with him, to see him in his element? I wanted to. More than I should have. “I'd love to come,” I replied softly. “Great. I'll send my driver to pick you up in the morning." He signaled for the check, then stood, glancing at his Rolex. "We have to go. I have a meeting in thirty minutes.” I frowned, glancing at his barely eaten plate. “But you barely touched your food. Aren't you going to get hungry later?” I hated the thought of wasting such an expensive meal. “We could ask them to pack it for you." He chuckled lightly, for the first time, his smile was genuine, and it made my heart skip a beat. “Clairessa, it's fine. If I were that hungry, I could have any restaurant in the city deliver to me. You worry for nothing." My breath hitched as he stepped closer, his presence towering. His eyes locked with mine, and for a moment, I saw something tender, almost vulnerable, in his features. "You're different," he murmured, his gaze holding mine for just a second longer before stepping back. “After you,” he said, his voice husky, as I walked out of the restaurant, feeling the heat of him behind me. As we walked outside, the car pulled up, but before I could get in, Gabriel's hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. His breath was hot against my ear as he whispered, “By the way, jealousy looks sexy on you.” A flush of heat spread across my skin, my mind reeling as I tried to process his words. How did he know?

10:13 Wed, 19 Febnoveldrama