Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 160: What If He Showed Up

Clairessa's POV

After soaking for what felt like hours, I finally stepped out of the tub.

The warmth lingered on my skin as I wrapped the towel around my body and padded back into the bedroom.

Everything Adrian brought was neatly folded on the bed. I dried off slowly, then changed into his oversized T-shirt and shorts.

They were loose, soft, and comforting in a strange way. They smelled like Adrian -his masculine scent, not too strong.

Like the warmth I used to know.

Warmth I no longer trusted.

I sat at the edge of the bed, hair damp and skin tingling from the heat of the bath.

The silence grew heavier, pressing down on me, suffocating my insides.

And that's when it hit me hard.

My life had crashed to an all-time low in less than twenty-four hours.

The walls felt like they were closing in, the ceiling pressing down, making it hard to breathe.

I needed someone.

I needed to hear a familiar, warm voice-someone who knew me, who would listen and understand.

Someone who saw me as whole, even when I felt shattered.

With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone and tapped the one number that had never changed.

The only one that felt safe.

It rang twice.

"Claire, baby?" my mom answered, her voice instantly soothing. "How are you doing?"

I swallowed hard, trying to sound steady. "I'm... okay."

"You rarely call me," she said gently. "But I'm glad you did today. Now tell your mama the truth. What's going on, sweetheart?"

I couldn't hold it anymore.

"It's gone, Mom," I whispered. "The house. Everything. There was a fire..."

"What?!" she gasped, panic rising in her voice. "Oh my God, Claire! Are you hurt? Where are you? Are you safe?"

"I'm okay, I swear," I said quickly, wiping away tears I didn't realize had fallen. "I wasn't there when it happened. I'm at Adrian's place."

There was a pause. Then her voice dropped, softer, relieved.

"Thank God. You're safe. And with the man you love."

I closed my eyes.

I couldn't bring myself to correct her.

When Adrian and I broke up, I never told her the truth-that he cheated on me.

She still thought Adrian was the one.

And to be honest, so did I... once.

If only she knew the truth about Adrian. The betrayal. The lie.

And about Gabriel.

Now everything was a mess-a complicated disaster I created trying to get revenge.

falling for the wrong

confess everything to her-but

kind. Yes, she always

she'd understand this version of me—the one

failed every one

let her believe

you want to come home?" she asked after a moment. "Take a break from everything, just

handle it. I

Adrian," she said softly. "He's always loved you. Maybe you both

a smile she couldn't see. I knew this was my cue to end the

hope I didn't have the

was no way in hell I was

said quietly. "Please, don't tell Dad. I don't want

won't. Just

"I will."

call you in the morning. I love you,

love you too," I whispered,

phone back on the nightstand and stared at the

Still numb.

Still hollow.

lay back on the bed, sinking into the sheets with a long exhale—it wasn't sadness anymore. There were no more tears

with the back

couldn't believe I'd slept through most

maybe I needed

I felt... better.

Not healed, not whole.

Just lighter.

in my chest was still there, but it didn't feel like it was trying

through the windows, golden

there, letting it wash

bed wouldn't

things to figure

needed to call Margaret-my neighbor-and find out what

my next move would

made my way to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, splashed cold

Pale. Tired. But awake.

that counted for

growled-like an

eaten at all yesterday, but honestly, how could I have?

morning

I needed something.

An apple.

Bread.

Coffee.

God, I needed coffee.

hallway and paused by Adrian's

pushed the door

lying across the bed, his face peaceful and

a moment, I debated waking him up just to say I was starving, but

couldn't

shut the door

looked even more

were alive, not dark like Gabriel's fortress, but subtle, welcoming, and full

warmth.

whose face

had the same hair

Almost the same smile.

to be his

Angelique. Gabriel's ex.

didn't matter; I was done with the

came attached

continued through the living