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.

of shock hit me. My knees threatened to give out. "This

a pair of arms steadied me. I blinked up to find Mrs.

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

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

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

offering some comfort. She

this was, the most important thing was that

"Everyone's safe... right?"

confirmed quickly. "We were lucky. Johnny-the boy from the next block-was banging on doors, waking everyone. We got out just in

hard. "Do they know how

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

stood there, feeling like I'd been

heard it-my name being called,

"Clairessa!"

and

Adrian?

slightly out of breath, concern etched across his

managed. "What are you doing

at Adrian with a warm smile. "I'll leave you with

returned the gesture as she

here to make sure you're okay," he

eyes. "I meant, how did you even

just say... I have

I scolded. "Are

every movement. Think of

on you."

insane! And not

We're not together anymore. You don't get to

like some prince here to rescue the poor damsel. I'm capable

don't doubt that for a second," he said calmly. "But today? Right

fire. Where else do you

mouth, then closed it. The

the second.

"I'll figure it out."

gently. "I'm

I don't need your help. I just... I

alone in the cold while you figure out

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

shrugged, watching me. I lifted the phone

I dialed.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

further. I could

his head. "Let me

but the answer was written

stepped closer. "And I'm also guessing your

everything important-was in there?"

burned-out

there," he added with a small shrug,

frustrated puff, stepping

"I

few steps,