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.

of arms steadied me. I blinked up

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

I'd come home to this," I whispered, staring at

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

slowly, her words offering some

was, the most important thing was that

"Everyone's safe... right?"

were lucky. Johnny-the boy from the next block-was banging on doors,

hard. "Do they know how the fire

of the damage is concentrated on one wing. But no one's allowed in yet until they do a proper

say. I just stood there, feeling like I'd been hit by a

it-my name being called, cutting through the

"Clairessa!"

and

Adrian?

toward me, slightly out of breath, concern etched across his face. "Claire, are you alright?" he

managed. "What are you

then looked at Adrian with a warm smile. "I'll

gesture

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

eyes. "I meant, how did

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

I scolded. "Are

"Not tailing your every movement. Think of it as keeping

on you."

insane!

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

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

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

Clairessa-your home is literally on fire. Where else do you

mouth, then closed it. The

the second.

"I'll figure it out."

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

Adrian, but I don't need your help. I just...

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

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

shrugged, watching me. I lifted

I dialed.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

sank further. I could feel Adrian's

his head. "Let me guess, you

the answer was written all over

stepped closer. "And I'm also guessing

everything important-was in there?"

motioned toward the burned-out

with

out a frustrated puff, stepping back, needing distance—space to breathe.

"I don't need you

a few