Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

hapter 8: Presenting Before My CEO

Clairessa’s POV

Chapter 8: Presenting Before My CEO

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The pressure at Storm Innovations was starting to get to me. After three months of juggling office projects and working on my app, today was the big day–presentation day. The best app would be shortlisted. I leaned back in my chair, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

Since I found out Gabriel was Adrian’s father, we hadn’t crossed paths. He was the CEO, so the likelihood of me bumping into him in the elevator was next to none. Throughout the previous meeting we had, Gabriel pretended not to know me. And with the presentation coming up in thirty minutes, my nerves were all over the place.

The thought of finally seeing Gabriel again after all these months–where he had haunted my dreams- made me feel even more nervous. But I had to focus on nailing my presentation. The Hart app, which I had been developing since my second year in college, meant everything to me. I had put in so much time and hard work into seeing it come to life. It had to be shortlisted.

I was busy organizing the files on my desk when a knock interrupted me.

“Come in,” I called out.

My office door pushed open and I looked up, shocked to see Adrian standing in the doorway. Just seeing him sparked my anger.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice rising.

“I had to see you. You’ve been ignoring my calls and texts. It’s been months, and I’m desperate,” Adrian said, stepping closer.

Chapter 8: Presenting Before My CEO

“I see,” I replied sarcastically, standing up. “In case you didn’t get the message, we’re done. Over.”

out.”

“Claire, don’t say that,” he pleaded, moving toward my desk. “I know I hurt you, but please, just hear me

“Hurt me?” I repeated, the pain evident in my voice. “You didn’t just hurt me–you destroyed everything.”

“I know, but you need to understand–it was never my intention. I was weak, and I gave in to my masculine desires,” he said, his voice filled with regret.

“Are you serious?” I snapped, disbelief in my tone. “You cheated with someone else, and now you call it ‘giving in to your desires“? How shameless.”

“Claire, I’m not shameless,” Adrian said, emotion crossing his face. “I tried my best to stay faithful, but you said we should wait until marriage, and it became harder as the days turned into months.”

my fault?” I asked, my disbelief

that’s not what I’m saying,” he replied

what are you saying?” I

being able to touch you- it’s been

trying

Before

not what I’m trying to do,” he said softly, standing directly in front of my desk now.

knew you couldn’t keep your promise, why didn’t

but I was scared you’d leave me,”

I said, leaning against my desk. “How many

once,” he stammered, his

back, you need to

sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “A couple of times…”

the truth hit me. “A couple? How many is that–five, ten? Give me a number!” I demanded,

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than five,” he mumbled. “But none of them meant anything to me. You’re the only one I

shouted, unable to contain my rage. “Get

this. I’m sorry. I’ll do anything to fix this,” he begged, reaching for my arm. I pulled away,

I muttered, feeling my heart break all over again. While I was dreaming of a picture perfect future, he was betraying me

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Fe, 11 Feb

Before

pleaded. “I want you back.”

now. You need to leave,” I said, trying to keep myself

his eyes locked on mine. For the first time, I felt nothing

want his pity. I’ll earn my funding through

a step back. But his steps were slow, hesitant as he

to your father. I want to succeed on my own, not through

I won’t tell my dad. He doesn’t even

door closed behind him, the pain hit me again. Adrian’s confession confirmed everything Nicole had said–he was a serial cheater. Part of me still loved him, and I hated myself for it. I

except for the inaudible hum of the projector. The other candidates were done presenting before the board and I was the only one left. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, trying to push aside my nerves. Gabriel’s eyes were fixed on me, and it was

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11 Feb Mō ·

8: Presenting Before My CEO