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.”

this is my fault?” I asked,

that’s not what I’m saying,”

what are you saying?”

has been tough. Having you close and not being able to touch you- it’s been

my head. “You’re really trying to blame your lack of self–control

Presenting Before My

what I’m trying to do,” he said softly, standing directly in front of my desk now.

keep your promise, why didn’t you come to

to, but I was scared you’d leave me,” he

leaning against my desk. “How many times did you cheat

he stammered, his eyes darting away.

back, you need

sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “A couple

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

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he mumbled. “But none of them meant anything to me. You’re the only one I care about. Please,

to contain my

to fix this,” he begged, reaching for my arm.

can’t deal with this right now,” I muttered, feeling my heart break all over again. While

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Presenting Before

pleaded. “I want

showcase meeting. I can’t deal with this right now. You need to leave,” I

talk to my dad for you,” Adrian offered, his eyes locked on mine. For the first time, I felt nothing but coldness toward him. “I can convince him

I don’t want his pity. I’ll earn my funding through my

taking a step back. But his steps were slow,

of us getting back together, you won’t mention us to your father. I want

said, looking back at me, humbled. “You have my word. I won’t tell my dad. He doesn’t even know about you working

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

was quiet, 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

13:34

11 Feb Mō ·

8: Presenting Before

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