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."

counter, eyeing the pot curiously. "What

long time since the whole family sat down to dinner

really lovely," I responded

you be out of bed? How are you feeling,

so much better, thanks for asking," I gave

I came here for a glass

me off. "Sit

already at the fridge. "Apple,

"Cranberry."

a clean

down my throat like heaven. "Thank you," I murmured, then

with roasted garlic potatoes and some buttered veggies on the side," she said,

the kitchen with practiced

will have my head if they find out I let you lift a finger. You're supposed

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

spoon at me, "but I've been working in this house long enough to know what recovery

playful than stern. "Resting means

peel a carrot," I offered. "I promise

at

juice

sit right there-" she motioned to a stool by the counter "-and keep me company. But if I so much as see you with a knife in your hand, I'm calling Adrian, because he's the one who gave me specific instructions to take care

"Deal."

smile, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the air felt

free conversation to keep myself from going

how long have you worked for

chuckled. "Oh, since Adrian was in

burst out laughing at

rascal. Always into everything, always pulling pranks on his parents.

Pet

in the milk. His poor mother nearly had

laughed again, picturing it so clearly. "Sounds exactly

been such a handful."

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