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.

hit me. My knees threatened to give out. "This can't be

falling, until a pair of arms steadied me. I blinked up to find Mrs. Margaret,

okay," she said breathlessly, holding me close. "We thought you were

this morning. I never imagined I'd come home

with emotion. "Oh, my dear. What's happening to us is horrible, but we have to be grateful we

words offering some comfort. She was right. As

the most important thing was that no one had lost

"Everyone's safe... right?"

were lucky. Johnny-the boy from the next

swallowed hard. "Do they know

yet. The 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, cutting

"Clairessa!"

and

Adrian?

his face. "Claire, are you alright?" he asked, his

fine..." I managed. "What are

Margaret patted my arm, then looked at Adrian with a warm smile.

returned the gesture as she walked

to make sure you're okay," he said, nodding

narrowed my eyes. "I meant, how did you even

Amusement? "Let's just say...

I scolded. "Are you

every movement. Think of

on you."

insane! And not

You don't

prince here to rescue the poor damsel. I'm

doubt that for a second," he said calmly.

literally on fire. Where else do

opened my mouth, then closed it. The lump in my throat was growing thicker

the second.

"I'll figure it out."

he said gently. "I'm

help. I

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

him, reaching into my pocket to pull out my phone.

watching me. I lifted

I dialed.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

heart sank further. I could feel Adrian's eyes on

head. "Let me guess, you

didn't respond, but the answer was written all

stepped closer. "And I'm also guessing your wallet, ID,

everything important-was in there?"

burned-out shell

there," he added with a small shrug, "they're probably

a frustrated puff, stepping back,

I snapped. "I don't need

a few steps, my head spinning