Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 210: Getting Him Home

Clairessa's POV

"What the hell?"

We rushed out into the hallway, shock crawling up my spine like a cold chill. And there he was. Adrian. In a fistfight.

The crowd parted just enough for us to see him—Adrian-locked in a full-blown fistfight with some guy in a designer blazer.

The other man was wailing on him, punch after punch, while Brian shouted for them to stop and forcefully pulled them apart.

Now, Adrian and the other guy were fuming, glaring at each other like rabid dogs as stunned guests watched with murmurs of disappointment.

"You're done for in this city!" Adrian spat at the man, pushing against Brian's grip. My voice rose before I could stop it. "Adrian!"

He turned toward me. Blood trickled from his lip. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with drunken haze and something that looked a lot like guilt.

"Claire?" he said, blinking. He stumbled forward. "What are you... doing here?" "Unbelievable," I muttered. "You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk," he slurred, staggering. "Just had a few drinks."

"Adrian..."

He turned to Brian and slung an arm over his shoulder. "Brian's my buddy. He invited me. I came. But then I see you here and..."

He squinted. "Didn't you say you needed space? Why are you here with Jess?"

I stared at him, disgusted. "We don't owe you an explanation. I cannot believe this. After everything that happened today, you end up here-drunk and brawling like a child?"

He rubbed his face, then threw his hands up in frustration. "Shit, Claire, I know I fucked up, okay? My dad hates me, now you hate me... Everyone fucking hates me!"

"I've been apologizing all day!" he yelled.

"What else do you want from me? I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry I ghosted you. I was heartbroken. You broke my heart, Claire! And all I've done since is drink and feel sorry for myself because you're right-I'm a loser. I don't want to take over my dad's company. I don't even know what I want to do with my life! I'm just a fuckup, okay? That's what I am."

He picked up a glass tumbler and hurled it against the wall. The loud crash made everyone flinch.

"Adrian!" Brian stepped between us. "That's enough. You've had more than enough. I'll drive you home."

I turned to Jess. "I can't deal with this." And I turned around and began walking away.

Jess followed, tossing over her shoulder, "Grow the hell up, Adrian."

We stepped outside and into the cool night air. I dragged in a shaky breath.

"Just what I needed," I muttered to Jess. "What are the odds? I go to a party with you and run into a drunk Adrian who I've been avoiding all day throwing punches like a madman."

her temples.

if we hadn't shown up? That guy could've knocked him unconscious, or worse-he had done some serious bodily harm

don't think he was aiming for a homicide. And let's be real, Adrian's a rich kid-how well do you think

my arm gently. "He's alive. Brian's dealing with him. Let's go back to my apartment, binge ice cream,

I have to go back to Gabriel's. I need to make sure Adrian gets

"You're not his

okay? I

That contract I signed-it binds me to help him adjust and get his shit together. If he spirals like this, he won't

I get it. Just...

and we both inhaled

then, Brian returned, supporting Adrian by the arm.

sleek black Lamborghini Urus

like a

widened.

shrugged. "One of

toward Jess. "Bagged yourself a

a joke now. When tonight is about your

remind me," I

the backseat. Jess climbed in beside him while I slid

and Jess took the front. Thank

car started moving. Quiet.

fell back, quiet.

leaned back, ready to

murmur, "Claire?

Oh no.

"I love you. I fucked it all up. Please.

I tried

"I'm sorry...

his head landing in my lap. I stiffened, fighting the urge to shove him off. But the space was tight, and he wasn't exactly light. So

glanced at us in the mirror.

eyes and muttered, "I could

between Jess and Brian. Awkward glances. A quiet smile. Definitely something

how

a while. I was

"Of course you

"Are you

"If the shoe fits..."

exactly did

sighed. "He called. Said he was going through some shit. I told him to swing by-I was throwing a party. Thought it might lift his mood. But he spent most of the day sleeping, and then just...

turned slightly toward us. "How do you

Jess hesitated.

I stayed quiet.