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."

at her, skeptical. "What kind of surprise involves moving

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

him. I didn't want to owe Gabriel

gently reached

word, she

the end of the corridor. My heart pounded

where

inside. Gabriel once mentioned it was just sentimental storage, full of old heirlooms and

the brass handle and slowly

gasp. A stunned, breathless oh

This wasn't an attic.

an entire

threshold, blinking like I couldn't trust what

room was massive-easily bigger than my entire apartment.

Cream and gold drapes. Soft, ambient

layered with

Sofas. A vanity.

leading to a

from a luxury home magazine... but every detail felt personal. Like

voice trembled. "What is

warm smile.

turned to her,

since he found

again—from the lush bedding to

murmured, still trying to absorb

workers only came after you'd left

the colors even the throw pillows matched the exact shades te

this rich or beautiful.

of his way to create something so grand

the extravagance—it

The energy poured

take it all in

I turned toward Jane, my voice barely a whisper. "Gabriel

this?"

nodded, more firmly this

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

marriage. He clearing?

out.

to

Safe.

soft, too confused to make sense of

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

of the velvet couch, then the edge of the bed. Fingers tracing the vanity, the delicate

walk-in closet stood to one side. I

Shoes. Handbags. Silk. Lace. Labels I'd only ever seen

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

brought in one of the

favorite colors, your usual fits. Everything's been chosen with you

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

faltered. "Oh no, maybe I've said too

himself. I didn't

looked genuinely concerned, and that alone

reached for her hand gently. "Jane... Thank you. Really. I love it. You've

"I'll let you rest now," she said, then quietly

out.

my new home... as the door clicked

swelled, overwhelmed with emotions I couldn't begin

He did

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

But... this?

story. The little details-the colors, the

dresses, the books.

He'd listened.