Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Clairessa's POV

At a closer look, the mystery man was tall and lean, with sun-kissed blond hair that brushed his shoulders and a clean jawline. Striking bone structure-surfer- model attractive.

An effortless charm played across his face, and his eyes brightened the moment they landed on Jess.

He stepped back with practiced ease, meeting both our gazes. "Jess. I thought that was you."

I smiled, slow and knowing. "Yes. It is definitely Jess."

Jess shot me a daggered look that could've sliced the champagne glass in my hand.

I grinned back.

"How do you know my friend?"

He extended a hand, his voice calm and laced with amusement. "I'm Brian. We

met at an art exhibition in Florence. Brief... but memorable."

Jess muttered under her breath, "An experience I'd like to forget."

Brian tilted his head. "Sorry, I missed that?"

"She said she's surprised to see you. That's all," I cut in sweetly, flashing a casual smile.

"I hope it's a good surprise, then." He held out his hand again. "Forgive my manners. I'm Brian."

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Brian. I'm Clairessa-Jess's best friend."

I savored every second. For once, I wasn't the one being blindsided by some smooth-talking guy. Jess-usually so carefree, so untouchable-was the one squirming now. And honestly? It was oddly therapeutic watching her stumble into the kind of messy, tangled encounter she always teased me about.

Brian turned to Jess again. "It's really good to see you again. I'm glad you came."

Jess folded her arms. "Can't say the feeling's mutual."

Okay. Yep. Something definitely happened between them.

Then Brian-still somehow oblivious to the irritation in Jess's tone-added with a

smile as his eyes swept over her, "You look beautiful, by the way."

When Jess didn't respond, he grinned. "You too, Claire."

I took a slow sip of champagne. "Thanks. But honestly, I think my friend here is

the one who looks exceptionally stunning."

Brian laughed, a little too nervously. "You're absolutely right."

Jess hissed under her breath, tugging at my wrist. "Can we go now?"

Brian overheard and pleaded, "Not yet. Please, can we maybe... talk somewhere else?"

Jess snapped, "No."

He tried again. "Please, Jess. Let me explain. I never got the chance."

She bit back, "You had your chance."

I stepped in, resting a light hand on Jess's arm. "Jess, I know you're upset-and honestly, I don't even know why, because someone's been pretty tight-lipped about it—but maybe we should just sit down and let him explain?"

Brian jumped at the opening. "Yes. Please."

Jess rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Brian led us through the loft like he owned it-past glass doors and low music- until we reached a private lounge: dimly lit, cozy.

Waiters reappeared with drinks and finger foods. I took a plate. I was hungry- and nothing helped me survive emotional drama like carbs and expensive cheese.

Jess, though, looked like she was being dragged through a haunted house.

Brian finally broke the silence. "I never thought I'd see you again after Italy. And now, here you are in my loft."

We both blinked. "Your loft?" I asked.

He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... technically, it's one of my dad's lofts. But yeah, I live here."

Jess nearly choked. "You're the one organizing this party?"

He nodded.

"So the Marco guy pretending to be a client-inviting me to this party, saying he'd introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my art-this whole thing was a setup planned by you?"

Brian looked guilty. "I didn't have a choice. After that day, I tried reaching out, but it seemed like you blocked me."

Jess stood up. "So your brilliant idea was to trick me into coming here? To use my work just to get me here?"

"It's not all a game. Marco is actually a friend who helps me find good art collections," Brian said quickly. "I really am interested in your art. I just-God, Jess, I just wanted to see you."noveldrama

"You humiliated me," Jess hissed. "You let me walk into that hotel lobby, then

acted like you didn't know me... like I was some-!"

She stood abruptly, spinning toward me. "Claire, we're leaving."

I stayed put. "No, we're not."

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

I raised a hand to stop her. "Jess, let's just hear him out first. Sit down. Breathe."

She huffed but sank back into her seat, folding her arms tightly.

I turned to Brian. "I don't really know you, but I've been trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder, though because you clearly hurt my friend. She's never this upset. So... what happened?"

Jess shot me a mock glare, like finally, you're asking the right questions.

Brian glanced at her, then back at me. "What happened... I made a mistake. A big one."

I leaned back, folding my arms. "Then start talking."

He sighed, rubbing his palms on his thighs. "We met in Italy, at a club. Things just clicked. We spent the

morning,

night together. But the next beting

I had to leave for a business meeting with my father. When Jess showed up at the hotel, I was there with him-and I panicked. I pretended not to know her."

Jess's eyes locked onto him, burning with quiet fury.

Brian swallowed hard. "I was a coward. My dad-he's old money, part of that socialite crowd. Doesn't want me seen with women who don't fit a certain mold. I know how awful that sounds."

I frowned. "A certain mold?" I repeated, disbelief creeping in.

"I know, I know. Just... please hear me out. My father's all about appearances. That day was business, not art-and art is my thing, not his. He wants me to fun the family company, but I don't want

03 Outl

that life."

Jess's voice went flat. "None of that's my problem. You and your dad can stay in

your little glass tower. Date whichever heiress he picks for you."

Brian winced. "I know how it sounds. But that's the world I'm stuck in."

"So what?" Jess snapped. "You just toss women aside to impress Daddy?"

"I probably deserve that," he admitted. "My dad doesn't even know I love art. I'm not supposed to care about it."

"Nobody's ever made me feel so small, Brian. So cheap."

He shifted closer, gently taking her hand. "Jess, please. It'll never happen again, I swear. I did all this just to see you again. I'm interested in your art. And in you."

She looked like she might explode—but she didn't pull her hand away.

I watched, surprised. Jess... tense? A flush crept up her cheeks? She never let anyone get to her like this.

His face was etched with raw, apologetic emotion. "I'm sorry, okay?

I know & messed up. But please, give

me one chance to prove I'm nothing like my father, Jess. I care about you. I did all this to show you that."

Her posture softened—just a little.

"Let's start fresh," he pleaded. "Please."

I stayed quiet, watching, taking it all in.

Jess had kept all this from me. In all our years of friendship, I'd never seen a man

rattle her like this. She was always composed, always in control. But Brian... he'd shaken something in her.

Before Jess could answer, a loud bang echoed from the hallway.

We all turned toward the door.

"What was that?" I asked, standing up.

Brian rose too. "Probably someone drunk, trying to start a fight. I'll go check."

The noise grew louder-shouts, crashing sounds, something breaking again.

Brian glanced back. "You two stay here."

But of course, we didn't.

The moment he stepped out, Jess and I exchanged a look-no words needed.

We followed.

As we reached the door, a voice cut through the chaos-a voice I knew instantly.

"Fuck all of you! You can all go to hell!"

I froze.

"Wait-" I grabbed Jess's arm. "That voice..."

Jess's eyes widened.

We said it together: "Adrian?"