Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 30: Breathless8

Clairessa’s POV

Chapter 30: Breathless

I arrived at Adrian’s restaurant, and a wave of nostalgla hit me as I took in the familiar surroundings. Memories of our time together overwhelmed me–late nights spent here, the Ideas I had shared to help him grow the business, even the colors I chose for the walls. I had put so much into his dream, pausing mine because I believed we were building a future together. How wrong I was.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed a waitress approach. “Do you have a reservation?” she asked.

I nodded absentmindedly, my eyes scanning the tables for Adrian. Then I saw him, standing by the bar.

He wasn’t alone.

Nicole stood beside him, laughing, and they were deep in conversation.

My heart sank. Of course, he hadn’t changed. All those promises, all the begging for a second chance–it was all a lie. He was still the same lying, cheating… jerk. Tears stung my eyes as I tried to hold myself together, but it was too much. Why did it still hurt this much? Maybe because I hadn’t fully let him go, and deep down, I had hoped he had changed.

I wanted to march over and confront them for being so shameless, but before I could, I found myself running out of the restaurant. The cold air hit my skin like tiny needles.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I struggled to pull myself together. I opened my phone to order a ride, but there was a surge, and no drivers were available.

1/7

%

Chapter 30: Breathless

“Perfect. Just my luck,” I muttered bitterly, kicking at the pavement as I walked. My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen.

It was Gabriel.

Hell. My heart raced as I stared at the screen. Gabriel had texted earlier saying he would come over, but when no call or message followed, I assumed he wasn’t coming. That’s why I decided to see Adrian. Now, I had to answer him. I couldn’t let Adrian’s betrayal or my own personal struggles interfere with my career. But I also couldn’t let Gabriel see me like this–broken.

I answered, my voice shaky as I tried to keep my emotions together. “Hello, Mr. Storm.”

There was silence on the other end before his deep, concerned voice came through. “Clairessa, what’s wrong?”

“I’m… fine,” I lied, though my voice cracked, betraying me.

“You don’t sound fine. Where are you?”

I hesitated. “On my way home.”

“Stay where you are. I’m coming to get you.”

back door swung

get in,”

2/7

Wed, 19 Feb 0

Chapter 30: Breathless

into the car, feeling too exhausted to argue. The warmth of the car provided a momentary comfort to the cold

his face softened to concern. “Why didn’t you stay where you were like I told

myself to speak. I didn’t trust my voice,

what happened,” he said softly, his tone gentle as his eyes searched mine for answers. “Please, say something.” he urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to wipe away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “Did someone hurt

reason, being in his arms calmed the chaos in my mind. All the shame and pain from seeing Adrian with

room, lying on soft, warm sheets.

at me. I couldn’t

legs over the side of the bed. I couldn’t lie in bed with those thoughts suffocating me.

folded shirt left on the chair beside the bed. It was Gabriel’s shirt–he must have left it for me to

the dress I wore to go see that douche Adrian. I unclasped my bra and pulled

3/7

19 Feb

Chapter 30 Breathless

exposing a large part of my legs Desperate to distract myself, I

living room,

attr to act tough but still hit a side table with my leg,

sorry,” I stuttered, kneeling to gather

Gabriel ended his call, his attention now fully on me. He crossed the room to help me up, his strong

guiding me to one of his luxurious sofas.

called earlier so we could talk, I heard your voice faint and shaky… I could tell something was wrong. I was scared something had happened to you.” His hand tucked a strand

against my cheek, sending heat flooding through me. But before I could

There was something different in his eyes this time

his

4/7

19 Feb

Chapter 30: Breathless

went to see him…” My voice broke off, the memory still fresh in my

expression darkened. “Did he say something

“When I arrived at his restaurant… I saw him with the same woman he cheated on me with. I guess… I lost

you go see him in the first place? What were you expecting?”

why I went,” I admitted, feeling small under his scrutiny. “He kept calling, asking for a second chance,

him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear in his

what to believe,” I shot back defensively. “I thought maybe

delusion,” he retorted, his words cold. “The way he

that,” I snapped, feeling belittled by his judgment. “But it’s not that simple. I can’t just switch