Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

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."

"What kind of surprise involves moving all

for you. For a few weeks now. He wanted it kept quiet. Asked

from him. I didn't want to owe Gabriel more than I

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

me." Without another word, she guided me down the

end of the corridor. My heart pounded with

knew where we

mentioned it was just sentimental storage, full of old heirlooms and forgotten things. I never asked more. Never cared

reached for the brass handle and

her-and let out a quiet gasp. A stunned, breathless

This wasn't an attic.

an entire

like I couldn't trust what I was

than my

gold

bed layered with

Sofas. A vanity.

leading to

luxury home magazine... but every detail felt personal. Like someone had been paying attention-to

trembled. "What is

a warm smile. “This is

turned to her, confused. "I

found out about the fire. He wanted o do something... special for you. And I'm

room again—from the lush bedding

trying to

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

The walls, the colors even the throw pillows matched the exact shades te onse told Gabriell liked. A candle sat on the side table-my favorite scent. How

in a space this rich or beautiful. And I

way to create something so

beauty or the extravagance—it was

poured into every

it

turned toward Jane, my voice

this?"

more firmly

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

marriage. He clearing?

out.

you. He's never let anyone up here Not even Adrian Only me. So it's safe to say he wanted you to have a home here. A space

Safe.

full, too soft, too confused to make sense of any

the room. "Feel free to look around. Everything

my hand along the back of the velvet couch, then the edge of the bed. Fingers tracing the vanity, the delicate gold-framed mirror, the soft shine

stood to one side.

I'd

I murmured. "I've never had anything like

brought in one

favorite colors, your usual

don't even know if I can accept it. It must've cost a

"Oh no, maybe I've said too

himself. I didn't mean to spoil

alone made guilt

"Jane... Thank you. Really. I love it. You've been more than

features. "I'll let you

out.

room-hell, my new home... as the door clicked

with emotions I couldn't begin to

stung. He did all this? For

told him he didn't care. That

But... this?

story. The little details-the colors, the

dresses, the books.

He'd listened.