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

“Deal. And Dad? Congratulations on the award. I’m proud

a hug, and I kissed the top of his

public!” he protested, pulling away, but I held him

I want. Got

messed up my hair,” he

fix it.”

way, Dad. I’ve got to go.”

after him, watching as he looked back with

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disappeared into the crowd, my thoughts shifted back to Clairessa. Where could she have

broke through my thoughts. She touched my arm

“Rebecca.”

me,” she said, her smile

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

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45: Between Holding Back And Breaking All

me. She pressed her petite figure against mine. And began moving closer than necessary, making her

guiding her as the music changed to a slow rhythm

was beautiful and successful, but tonight, and clearly interested in me. But i didn’t feel the same. There was only one woman I wanted who

your son earlier. Where is he? I

I trailed off, realizing I could use this as an excuse to leave. “Actually,

blinked in surprise. “Don’t forget to look

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

brushed against me, bringing a sense of calm and peace- a much–needed

the beautiful garden, and that’s when I

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

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45: Between Holding Back And

me.

her shoulder. She

Storm… I

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

me briefly, then turned away. “I was looking for you too, but then I saw you dancing with Rebecca,

thought you should leave?”

me tonight?” she asked suddenly, the words

aback by

you

here. I don’t fit in with all these people. You’ve got Rebecca and so many other

around me? Maybe. But I wanted

Rebecca and half

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

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