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.

we

chuckled at how fast she

bastard,"

"See?

to hear me hate him. I

him? Nah. I'm just trying to be... you

human. Besides, Gabriel's nothing

She winked.

"I hear you, girl.

the man's built like a Greek god, billionaire status, and let's

They just don't

so."

on a laugh as she continued,

were you? I'd let him eat me up... just

"Jess... you are unsavable."

back to that

how much I wanted

Get it together,

shook my head, trying

and I think I know

"Don't

"Yas!" she squealed.

"Shots! We're going clubbing."

I blinked. "What?"

was already on her feet.

yesterday, this new

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

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

let out

Right. Totally for me. Not because you need a plus one to charm

for me. But mostly for you. You need a night out.

at my lips. "The last thing I need is

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

don't have a choice. And if I end up crying in the

Jess winked and held out

I blinked. "What?"

"Your phone."

sigh and reluctantly handed it over. Jess took it without a word, powered it down, and slipped it

a grin. "Tonight, it's just you

smiled, the weight on my chest lifting-just a

was a high-profile gathering in a sleek,

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

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

in, and it wasn't just the men checking us out; even some

We were definitely overdressed.

dress that hugged every

that demanded attention.

my

soft

options. It was still a little too revealing for my usual taste, but classy enough: a black glittery halter-neck dress with a plunging neckline, a silverchain draped across my bare back, and a hemline that