Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Clairessa's POV

Jess's whole posture shifted. She went still, lips pressing into a tight line. "What about him?"

I glanced up, helpless. "He said he misses me. That he wants me back."

Jess gasped like I'd just told her I was secretly royalty. "I'm sorry-what?!" She scooted closer, practically bouncing. "You are not about to drop that bomb and leave me hanging. Spill. Every. Detail."

So I did.

I told her everything.

About the conversation in his office.

The way he looked at me.

His apology.

His confession.

How his words made my heart stutter-even though I hated that they did.

How I walked out.

And now? I didn't even know what the hell I felt anymore.

Jess leaned back slowly, folding her arms. "Damn. That man never does anything halfway, does he?"

"Tell me about it."

She gently massaged my legs, eyes thoughtful. "So... what do you want to do?"

I swallowed hard. "I don't know. My emotions are spiraling. It's like I can't even tell what's real anymore. I want to say I'm over him—that I'm done. But it's not that simple."

Jess gave me a knowing look. "You're scared."

"I'm furious," I shot back. "He thinks he can just walk back into my life because he suddenly decided he feels something again? He pushed me away. Made me feel like I had to grovel for forgiveness over one lie-one stupid lie I told because I was terrified of losing him. He made me feel like I was nothing. So no, he doesn't just get to say 'I want you back' and expect a damn parade."

Jess held up her hands. "Okay, okay. I'm on your side. But... just to play devil's advocate-imagine finding out the woman you've been falling for, the one you're building a future with, turns out to be your son's ex. And you had no idea. That's a pretty insane place to be stuck in. And from what you've told me, Adrian's still in the picture—still chasing after you. That just makes it even messier. Maybe Gabriel panicked. Maybe he wasn't strong enough to fight his own son over you. Either way... he made his choice. And it wasn't you."

I turned toward her, narrowing my eyes.

"So... you're justifying his actions? Are you saying I'm the one in the wrong here?" "C'mon, Claire, I never said that."

She lifted her hands again, but I cut her off with a look.

"Then what exactly are you saying?"

"I'm saying maybe just maybe you could try seeing it from his side. When you were with him, you always said how much he cared. I saw it too. So maybe... we don't have to write him off completely over one mistake."

"Oh, Jess," I let out a fake, dramatic squeal, wiping imaginary tears.

"I came here because I needed you on my side-not defending Gabriel. I need

you to stand with me so we can officially board the Gabriel hate train with snacks and zero regrets."

Jess made a face, then smiled.

"You're right.

yeah, we

how fast she switched sides, then came

bastard," she

aha. "See? You're defending

hate him. I also didn't hear you

playful shrug. "Defend him? Nah. I'm just trying to

human. Besides, Gabriel's nothing

She winked.

"I hear you, girl.

a Greek god, billionaire status, and let's be

mind-blowing orgasms. They just don't

so."

as she continued, shameless

me up... just once... and then curse him

"Jess... you are unsavable."

my mind drifted, uninvited, back to that

how much I wanted him

Get it together,

my head,

emotional wreck, and I think I know the solution to all

"Don't

"Yas!" she squealed.

"Shots! We're going clubbing."

I blinked. "What?"

on her

yesterday, this new

into the gallery and bought one of my pieces for some ridiculous, way-overpriced amount. Then he gave me his card, said he knows this insanely rich art investor who's looking to build a new collection. The investor's throwing a party at his loft, and Marco sent me a VIP invite-said he'd

so he could bring me over to meet the guy. I was debating whether to go, maybe pitch myself... but after

let out

Not because you need a plus

for me. But mostly for you. You

smile tugged at my lips. "The last thing I need is another

over Gabriel-get under another man. And this is a high-profile party, so who knows... you

myself up from the couch. "Fine. But I'm only saying yes because I don't have a choice. And if I end up crying in the

Jess winked and

I blinked. "What?"

"Your phone."

raised a brow, then let out a sigh and reluctantly handed it over. Jess took it without a word, powered

Gabriel," she flashed a grin.

the weight on my chest lifting-just a

party was a high-profile gathering in a sleek, spacious

of place where brand execs and underground artists mingled over champagne instead

The vibe was calm-almost too calm. Thank God for that, because I wasn't ready for pounding music or sweaty strangers

didn't blend in-we stood out. Heads turned as we walked in, and it wasn't just the men checking us out; even some of the women gave us a once-over. I

We were definitely overdressed.

hugged every curve,

that demanded attention.

my

soft rose

her closet, I ended up in one of her more "tame" options. It was still a little too revealing for my usual taste, but classy enough: a black glittery halter-neck dress with