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.

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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.”

SUV pulled up beside me. The back door swung open,

get in,” he ordered.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

car, feeling too exhausted to argue. The warmth of the car provided

on his face softened to concern. “Why didn’t you stay where you were like I told you to?” he asked gently, his gaze fixed on my tear–streaked face.

myself to speak. I didn’t trust my voice, afraid I might fall apart completely in front of him.

mine for answers. “Please, say something.” he urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to wipe away a tear I hadn’t

my head, unsure if I could speak without breaking down. He pulled me into his arms, his embrace comforting. For some reason, being in his arms calmed the chaos in my mind. All the shame and pain from seeing Adrian with Nicole faded, replaced by

I was in Gabriel’s guest room, lying on soft, warm sheets. He had brought

came rushing back, eating at me. I couldn’t shake the image of him with

swung my legs over the side of the bed. I couldn’t lie in bed with those

shirt left on the chair beside the bed.

to go see that douche Adrian. I unclasped my bra and

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Chapter 30 Breathless

a large part of my legs

living room, pulling me

my presence. 1 faked a grin in an attr to act tough but still hit a side table with my leg, sending a stack of books crashing to the

kneeling to gather

tomorrow,” Gabriel ended his call, his attention now fully on me. He crossed the room to help me up, his strong hands gently lifting

urged, guiding me to

had happened to you.” His hand tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I’m glad you’re here with me. Now,

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

I responded softly, my gaze locking with his. There was something different in his eyes this time -softer,

his voice filled with concern.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

broke off, the memory still fresh in my head.

interjected, his jaw tightening as his expression darkened.

I muttered, my voice shaky as the pain welled up inside. “When I arrived at his restaurant… I saw

cursed under his breath. “Why did you go see him in the first place? What were

went,” I admitted, feeling small under his scrutiny.

believed him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear

believe,” I shot back defensively. “I thought

his words cold. “The way he treated you, the lying, the cheating–that’s all the closure

belittled by his judgment. “But it’s not that simple. I can’t just switch my feelings off