Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 158: Nowhere Else To Go

Clairessa's POV

The road blurred before me as tears streamed down my face, the ache in my chest intensifying with each passing second.

My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, trying to keep myself together.

The image of Gabriel-naked and asleep, with Tina beside him-kept flashing through my mind as I navigated the streets.

I actually caught him. With her.

And to make it worse, he used that same tired line: "It's not what you think."

Did he really think I was that naive?

Maybe I was for ever thinking he was any different from his lying, cheating father.

Like father, like son. Cheats. Heartbreakers.

I thought he was different. I believed him when he said he loved me- wholeheartedly.

I should've listened to that voice in my head-the one that warned me not to fall

for him, that told me to stop believing there was anything real between us.

I should've stuck to the plan: get back at Adrian and walk away.

But I didn't. I let my guard down. I let myself believe.

And the worst part? I'd been feeling guilty for not telling him the truth about

Adrian, about the revenge plan.

Meanwhile, he was the one betraying me the entire time.

I was a fool. A lovesick, blind fool.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, a dry snort escaping me.

But just as I turned into the driveway, I slammed on the brakes.

What the hell?

Red and blue lights flashed across the pavement, and smoke filled the sky. Neighbors gathered outside in small groups, their faces tight with worry. A fire truck rumbled nearby.

I parked hastily, jumping out before the engine even came to a full stop.

"What's going on?" I muttered, my voice trembling as I rushed toward the building. But before I could get far, a firefighter stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. We're still trying to contain the fire-no one's allowed inside right now. It's not safe."

"My apartment..." My voice cracked. "I live here."

"We've evacuated everyone," he said calmly. "We're doing all we can."

"Oh my God," I whispered, the devastation of seeing it up close worse than I imagined.

Blackened windows, water streaming from hoses above, smoke rising into the sky. I stared in horror.

Everything I'd worked so hard to build-my laptop, my clothes, my certificates, my childhood photos, my life. Gone. Just like that. Gone.

My knees

staggered, nearly falling, until a pair of arms steadied me. I blinked up to find Mrs. Margaret, my elderly neighbor,

God you're okay," she said breathlessly, holding me close. "We thought

I left early this morning. I never imagined I'd come home to this," I whispered,

Margaret's voice trembled with emotion. "Oh, my dear. What's happening to us is horrible, but we have to

nodded slowly, her words offering some comfort. She was right. As

most important thing was that no one had

"Everyone's safe... right?"

she confirmed quickly. "We were lucky. Johnny-the boy from the next block-was banging on doors,

swallowed hard. "Do they know how

alarms went off early, and they say most of the damage is concentrated on one wing. But no one's allowed

what to say. I just stood there, feeling like I'd been

name being called,

"Clairessa!"

and went

Adrian?

slightly out of breath, concern etched across his face.

managed. "What are you

Margaret patted my arm, then looked at Adrian with a warm smile. "I'll leave you

the gesture as

make sure you're okay,"

"I meant, how did you even know

shifted-guilt? Amusement? "Let's just say... I

I scolded. "Are you monitoring

"Not tailing your every movement. Think of it

on you."

insane!

You don't

or act like some prince here to rescue the

he said

Clairessa-your home is literally on fire. Where

my mouth, then closed it. The lump in my

the second.

"I'll figure it out."

to," he said gently. "I'm here. Let me help

don't need your help. I

moment to what?" he pressed. "To stand here alone in the cold

pocket to pull out my phone. "I'll call Jess," I muttered and dialed

me. I lifted the phone to my

I dialed.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

heart sank further. I could feel

"Let me guess,

answer

also guessing

everything important-was in there?"

burned-out shell

in there," he added with

a frustrated puff, stepping back, needing distance—space

snapped. "I don't need

pacing a few steps,