Chapter 215: He Was In My Bed

Clairessa's POV

Gabriel didn't move. Neither did I.

Panic surged through me, heat flooding my cheeks. My fingers were still damp.

My mind screamed to run-and this time, I did.

I turned and bolted, heart racing, breath shallow, legs barely holding me up.

I yanked the door open and stumbled out, slamming it shut behind me.

Then I stopped.

Out in the hallway, I stood frozen. Chest heaving. The world around me was spinning off balance.

My body was still reeling-still soaked in aftershock-as I rushed blindly down the hall, like I could outrun the memory of what I'd just done.

I rounded the corner-too fast, too dazed-and slammed straight into someone.

Jane, the housekeeper.

"Oh!" she gasped, stepping back as a folded towel slipped from her arms.

My eyes widened.

She looked me over-flushed cheeks, messy hair, wild, glassy eyes—and I just knew.

She knew exactly what I'd done.

"Claire?” Her voice was gentle, uncertain. "Are you... all right?"

"Yes," I blurted, my voice higher than it should've been. "I'm fine. Everything's fine."

Jane's eyes narrowed slightly. "You look a bit pale."

Heated, more like. She was scanning me-reading me.

My mouth opened to offer an excuse, but no words came out.

"Are you sure everything's okay?"

I forced a laugh that sounded completely unnatural. "Never been better."

She gave a polite smile, though her eyes still looked concerned. "Good to hear.

Well then... I'll say goodnight. Sleep well."

"Thank you," I managed, forcing a small smile.

She turned to go.

That's when I remembered the situation with my room.

"Jane-wait," I called softly. She paused and turned back.

"I'm sorry. I went into my room earlier and... everything felt off. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but..."

I trailed off, brow furrowed. "It was like someone cleared it out. Do you... know anything about that?"

Her eyes darted around, like she wasn't sure how much to say. "I... don't know if I should be telling you this, but yes-Mr. Storm moved your things."

My heart dropped. "Wait, what?"

"Mr. Storm had a surprise planned for you. He was hoping you'd get home earlier today, but you arrived a bit late with Mr. Adrian."

Heat rushed to my face.

She must've noticed, because she quickly added, "It's a good thing. Truly."

her, skeptical. "What kind of surprise involves moving all my

a few weeks now. He wanted it kept quiet. Asked me not to say anything. Even

want a gift. Not from him. I didn't want to owe

my face, because she gently reached for my hand and gave it a

another word, she guided

main staircase and headed toward the end

knew where we

Gabriel once mentioned it was

the brass

behind her-and let out a quiet gasp. A stunned, breathless oh my god escaped

This wasn't an attic.

an entire

froze at the threshold, blinking like I couldn't trust what I

room was massive-easily bigger than my entire apartment. Cozy, but undeniably

Cream and gold drapes. Soft, ambient

with velvet throws

Sofas. A vanity.

staircase leading to a loft

home magazine... but every detail felt personal. Like someone had been paying

trembled. "What

gestured around with a warm smile. “This is your

what?" I turned to her, confused.

found out about the fire. He wanted o do something...

over the room again—from the lush bedding to

still trying to absorb it. "I never heard

"That's because Mr. Storm was very strict with the rules. He made sure the workers only came after you'd left for work and were gone before you got home. He wanted it to be a surprise. Very hush-hush. Not even

in again-slower this time. The walls, the colors even the throw pillows matched the exact shades te onse

this rich or beautiful. And I never imagined Gabriel

to create something

the beauty or the extravagance—it was the thought behind

energy poured

take it all in at

voice barely

this?"

more firmly

be where Mr. Storm kept his personal things-old portraits, memories

marriage. He clearing?

out.

safe to say he wanted you to have a

Safe.

heart clenched—too full, too soft, too confused to make sense of any of

gently to the room. "Feel free to look around. Everything here now belongs

brushed my hand along the back of the velvet couch, then the edge of the bed. Fingers tracing the

one side. I

Lace. Labels I'd

never..." I murmured. "I've never had anything like

Storm brought in one of

your usual fits. Everything's been chosen with

head slowly, overwhelmed. "This... this is breathtaking. I don't even know if I can accept

maybe I've said too much. Mr. Storm

show you himself. I

looked genuinely concerned, and that alone made guilt rise in

for her hand gently. "Jane... Thank you. Really. I love

let you rest now,"

out.

room-my new room-hell, my new home...

overwhelmed with emotions I couldn't

stung. He did all

I told him he didn't care. That I meant

But... this?

told a different story. The

dresses, the books.

He'd listened.

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