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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Between Holding Back And Breaking

on

in for a hug, and I kissed the top of his head.

public!” he

I want. Got that?” I teased, finally

my hair,” he grumbled, fixing it.

fix it.”

I’ve got to go.” He

I called after him, watching as he

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crowd, my thoughts shifted back to Clairessa.

voice broke through my thoughts. She touched my arm lightly,

“Rebecca.”

she said, her

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

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answer,” she said, wrapping her arms tightly around me. She pressed her petite figure against mine. And began moving closer than necessary, making her intentions known.

the music changed to a

and clearly interested in me. But i didn’t feel the same. There was only one woman I wanted who I wanted to spend

son earlier. Where is

I trailed off, realizing I could use this as an excuse to leave. “Actually, he’s waiting for me outside. I

blinked in surprise. “Don’t forget to look for

knowing I wouldn’t. She had been too pushy all evening, and her earlier

bringing a sense of calm and

beautiful garden, and that’s when I saw her.

thought. The garden lights cast a soft glow on her caramel skin, and for a moment, I was blown away by the sight of her. She

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And Breaking All The

me.

said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. She flinched

I thought-”

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

looking for you too, but then I saw you dancing with Rebecca,

you thought you should leave?” I

invite me tonight?” she asked

aback

do you

me here. I don’t fit in with all these

“Women around me? Maybe.

Rebecca and half

seem to understand that I had eyes only for her. I brushed

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