Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules

Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules

Gabriel’s POV

I scanned the room, my eyes instinctively searching for Clairessa. She had excused herself to the restroom, but it had been a while, and she hadn’t returned. Something about her abrupt exit worried me.

Adjusting my cufflinks, I noticed movement on the far side of the room. My son, Adrian, was speaking to a woman. She had curly brown hair and wore an emerald–green gown that shimmered under the lights, reminding me of Clairessa. For a moment, I thought it was her.

But something felt off. I couldn’t be sure.

I moved toward them, my pace quickening, needing to confirm. As I neared, the woman turned and disappeared into the crowd. Adrian stepped in front of me, blocking my view.

“Adrian. I thought I saw you speaking with…” My voice trailed off, my eyes glancing over his shoulder still trying to pick out the figure in the dim lighting.

“Dad…” Adrian called softly, pulling my focus back to him. “You saw me speaking with who?”

“Never mind.” I placed a hand on his shoulder, convincing myself it couldn’t have been Clairessa. There were plenty of women here with brown hair and sparkly gowns. “I’m just glad you made it tonight. Late as always, though.”

“Dad, I’m sorry,” he said, sincerity in his voice. “The restaurant was packed, and my head chef called in sick. I had to step in.”

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Chapter 45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The Rules

“I know. I’m really sorry.” His tone was genuine.

“That’s fine. You’re here now, and that’s what matters,” I said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

Adrian’s expression dimmed. “Dad, about that…I can’t stay long.”

I frowned. “You just got here. That’s not fair, Adrian.”

“I know, but I have to get back to the restaurant. I could only spare a little time.”

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“Excuses,” That’s all I hear from you these days.” I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my voice. “You’ve known about this ceremony for months. You could have planned better. As always, you’re absent when I need you most.”

Adrian looked away, guilt etched in his features. He was the one person I could be vulnerable with. We’d been through everything together, but lately, it felt like there was a growing distance. He was all I had–my only family–and I wanted to close that gap. He was all I had left.

“Dad, don’t make this a big deal,” he pleaded, his wide brown eyes softening my frustration, as they always did.

“So, I suppose this means you’re not coming over this weekend either?”

“Dad, I-”

“It’s alright,” I interrupted, hiding the hurt of his absence. “Go back to your restaurant. But you owe me, and I’ll make sure to collect.”

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45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All The

grinned. “Deal. And Dad? Congratulations on the award.

hug, and I kissed the

in public!” he protested, pulling away, but I

do whatever I want. Got that?” I teased, finally

hair,” he grumbled, fixing it.

me fix

to go.” He

I called after him, watching as he looked back

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my thoughts shifted back to Clairessa. Where could she have gone?

my thoughts. She touched my arm lightly, smiling.

“Rebecca.”

me,” she said, her smile

about to decline–I needed to find Clairessa–but she didn’t wait for my answer and pulled me to

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45: Between Holding Back And Breaking

not taking no for an answer,” she said, wrapping her arms tightly around me. She pressed her petite

her as the music

didn’t feel the same. There was only one woman I wanted who I wanted to spend the rest of the night

your son earlier. Where is he? I thought you’d introduce us.”

is…” I trailed off, realizing I could use this as an excuse to leave. “Actually, he’s waiting

forget

been too pushy all evening, and

night breeze brushed against me, bringing a sense of calm and peace- a much–needed relief from the earlier noise

and that’s when I saw her. Clairessa.

swing, gently rocking back and forth, her face deep in thought. The garden lights cast a soft glow on her caramel skin, and for a moment, I was blown away by the sight of

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Back And Breaking All The

me.

placing a hand on her shoulder. She flinched but immediately relaxed when she saw

I thought-”

out here?” I asked, crouching slightly to meet her eyes. “I’ve been looking

turned away. “I was looking for you too, but then I

you thought you should leave?” I retorted, raising an

my eyes. “Why did you invite me tonight?” she asked

was taken aback by

do you

need me here. I don’t fit in with all these people. You’ve got Rebecca

Maybe. But I wanted you

when you have Rebecca and half the

eyes only for her. I brushed a stray curl from

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