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.”

fault?” I asked, my

not what I’m saying,” he

you saying?” I shot back.

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

scoffed, shaking my head. “You’re really trying to blame

8: Presenting Before My

to do,” he said softly, standing directly

you couldn’t keep your

scared

believe that,” I said, leaning against my

once,” he stammered, his

want me back, you need to be honest. How many

shifting uncomfortably. “A couple of times…”

is that–five, ten? Give me a number!” I demanded, my

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to me. You’re the only one I care

my rage. “Get out

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

deal with this right now,” I muttered, feeling my heart break all over again. While I

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8: Presenting Before My

this,” he pleaded.

can’t deal with this right now. You

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

snapped. “No, I don’t want his pity. I’ll

let me help,” he said, taking a step back. But his

back together, you won’t mention us to your father. I want to succeed on my

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

said–he was a serial cheater. Part of me still loved him, and

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 hard to concentrate under the intensity of his

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8: Presenting Before My