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, and

in,” he ordered.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

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

face softened to concern. “Why didn’t you stay where you

voice, afraid

urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to wipe

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

in Gabriel’s guest room, lying on soft, warm sheets. He had brought me here, put me to bed. The thought warmed my heart in a

at me. I couldn’t shake the

body feeling heavier than it should, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I couldn’t lie

bed. It was Gabriel’s shirt–he must have left it for me to change

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

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Chapter 30 Breathless

part of my legs Desperate to distract myself, I made my way down

deep voice echoed from the living room, pulling me toward it.

shifted from his phone call, sensing my presence. 1 faked a grin in an attr to act tough

sorry,” I stuttered, kneeling to gather them up

me. He crossed

he urged, guiding me to one of his luxurious

and shaky… I could tell something was wrong. I was scared something had happened to you.” His hand tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I’m glad you’re here

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

responded softly, my gaze locking with his. There was something different in his eyes this time -softer, more compassionate. A look I hadn’t seen

happened earlier?” he asked, his voice filled with

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Chapter 30: Breathless

off, the memory still fresh in my

interjected, his jaw tightening as his expression darkened. “Did

my voice shaky as the pain welled up inside. “When I arrived at his restaurant… I saw him with the same woman he cheated on me with. I guess… I lost it and ran

breath. “Why did you go see him in the first place? What were you expecting?” His voice grew tense,

went,” I admitted, feeling small under his scrutiny. “He kept calling,

believed him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear in his eyes.

back defensively. “I thought

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

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