Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 172: How Long Had He Been Standing There

Clairessa's POV

After sleeping for what felt like forever, I finally dragged myself out of bed. My body still ached faintly, but compared to earlier, I felt stronger. No fever. No chills. Just a craving for fresh air and something cold to drink.

I'd been holed up in that room all day, not just because I needed rest, but because it was easier.

Easier to hide. Easier than running into Adrian and his mission to get me back... or worse, Gabriel and the drama that would unfold when he told the truth.

The idea of running into either of them made my stomach twist, so I figured if I moved quietly enough, I could sneak down to the kitchen, grab a glass of juice, and return before anyone noticed.

My throat was dry, parched even. I glanced at the empty glass on the nightstand and sighed. There was no escaping it—I needed juice.

Slipping quietly out of bed, I padded across the room, easing the door open like it might squeak loud enough to call them both over.

The hallway was empty. Good. I tiptoed my way toward the living area, hoping I could sneak into the kitchen and back before anyone noticed I'd come out of hiding.

I moved quietly past the living room, ducking my head as I reached the kitchen entrance. The smell of something savory hit my nose.

Just juice, Claire. That's it.

But the moment I stepped inside, I stopped in my tracks.

A woman who looked to be in her mid-fifties stood at the stove, stirring something in a large pot.

She turned at the sound of my feet brushing the floor, eyes meeting mine. Her expression, when she noticed me, was one of warm surprise-not the alarm I'd expected.

"Oh! You must be Clairessa," she exclaimed, pausing mid-stir. "I've heard so much about you from Adrian."

I exhaled, relieved. Just her. Not them. "Yes... I am,” I replied cautiously, stepping farther into the kitchen. "And you must be Miss Gretchen? The house manager?"

She chuckled, wiping her hands and moving away from the stove. "That's me. But don't bother with the 'Miss.' Just Gretchen is fine."

"Oh no," I said quickly, a soft grin playing at my lips. "Miss Gretchen feels much more proper. I'll stick to that, if you don't mind."

She laughed, clearly amused. "Well, alright then. I'll let you win that one."

curiously. "What are you cooking? It smells

the whole family sat down to

really lovely,"

Miss Gretchen eyed me with mild suspicion as she stepped closer to examine me. “Should you be

thanks for asking,"

glanced over toward the fridge. "Actually, I came here for a glass

me off. "Sit down. I'll get it for

I could protest, she was already at the fridge. "Apple, orange,

"Cranberry."

poured it into a clean

"Thank you," I murmured, then motioned toward the

side," she said, flipping something in a skillet.

the kitchen with practiced

no, no. The bosses will have my head if they find out I let you lift a finger.

keep my tone light. "I've been lying in bed all day. I

what you say," she replied, pointing a spoon at me, "but I've been working in this house long

was more playful than stern. "Resting

"I promise not

a smile tugged at her lips. "You're persistent,

juice

if you must do something, you can sit right there-" she motioned to a stool by the counter "-and keep me company. But if I so much

"Deal."

shared a smile, and for the first time

I needed this free conversation

have you worked

chuckled. "Oh, since Adrian

burst out laughing

nostalgia. "He was the sweetest little rascal. Always into everything, always

Pet

the milk. His poor mother nearly

again, picturing it so clearly. "Sounds exactly like Adrian. He must

been such a handful."

it didn't matter because the whole family was close then. Always dinners together, music in the house, celebrations for the tiniest reasons.