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.”

O

C

x+

+x

O

FREE

|||

O

<

1/7

Wed, 19 Feb

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.”

42%

“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.”

2/7

FREE

|||

O

<

19 Feb

Back And Breaking All

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

and I kissed the top of

public!” he protested, pulling away, but

want. Got that?” I teased, finally

hair,” he

me fix

to go.” He laughed,

after him, watching as he looked

42%

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

my thoughts. She touched

“Rebecca.”

with me,” she said, her smile persistent.

she didn’t wait for my answer and pulled me to the dance floor.

OO

+

3/7

FREE

|||

O

<

Wed, 19

Holding Back And Breaking All The

said, wrapping her arms tightly around me. She pressed her petite figure against mine. And began moving closer

guiding her as the music

same. There was only one woman I wanted who I wanted to spend the

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

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

“Don’t forget

had been too pushy all evening, and her

a sense of calm and peace- a much–needed

eyes scanned the beautiful garden, and that’s when

cast a soft glow on her caramel skin, and for a moment, I was blown away by the sight of her. She looked lost, yet so exceptionally

|||

>

4/7

19 Feb.

45: Between Holding Back And Breaking

me.

shoulder. She flinched but

Storm… I

slightly to meet her eyes.

glanced at me briefly, then turned away. “I was looking for you too, but

should leave?” I retorted, raising an eyebrow.

me tonight?” she asked suddenly,

was taken aback

you

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

“Women around me? Maybe.

and half the room drooling over

eyes only for her. I brushed

O

+

x+

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255