Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

: Not A Chance In Hell

Clairessa’s POV Adrian’s words were manipulative, carefully designed to worm their way into my emotions. But

the truth was undeniable-loved Gabriel. With everything in me. And yet, | was just as wrong as Adrian. The

weight of that reality pressed down on me, swallowing my words, making it impossible to confront

the way | should. | forced down the lump in my throat and squared my shoulders. “Tm not here for all this. What

do you want?” “Claire, please.” He pulled out a chair for me. Not until you tellwhat you want.” | stood firm,

arms crossed. Just sit Please’ His voice was laced with something close to desperation. With a sigh. | sank into

the chair, my arms still folded. “Say your piece. Instead of answering, Adrian slid a menu toward me. “How about

we start with lunch first? What would you like to have?” Typical. He always thought he could charm his way out

of things, flashing that coy smile like it would erase everything. If only he knew how little patience! had left. Td

like you to get to the point,” | shot back. “Claire.” He exhaled, leaning forward. “I know I've said this before-more

times than | can count-but the truth remains that | regret my actions. This past month without you has been

torture.” | didn’t react, my expression giving nothing away. “I need you back. The restaurant needs you back” he

went on. 7 haven't been doing well. Nothing in my life has worked since you left.” | scoffed. So that was it. He

wantedback because his dream was slipping through his fingers-again-and he neededto clean up the

mess he'd undoubtedly made while we were apart. Not happening. “So, you askedhere to dump your sob

story on me? Well, | wish you the best, Adrian, but there’s nothing | can do for you.” “Yes, there is,” he said, his

confidence creeping back in. | arched my brow. “Oh? Do tell.” He leaned in, his voice soft, coaxing. “What would

it take to have you back?” | blinked. He actually thought there was a chance? He was more delusional than I'd

given him credit for. “Adrian... as you said before, you needingback-it’s all about the restaurant, isn’t it?”

“It’s not.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “I could hire a restaurant consultant to turn things around. But the

truth is, everything is falling apart because | haven't been able to focus. | haven't moved forward from you. I'm

not doing well.” His confession did nothing to move me. He snorted, shaking his head. “What would it take... to

fix all of this? To get us back? | miss you, Claire.” Adrian reached out across the table, his fingers brushing

against mine as he tried to take my hand. But still fuming with the rage inside, | slapped his palm away. His

brows furrowed as he pulled back, a mix of anger and disappointment etched into his features. Good. Let my

disgust sink in. Maybe then he'd finally letgo. But instead of backing off, he leaned forward, his voice

pleading. “Clairessa... please... givesomething. Lettake this hurt | caused away.” His gaze searched

mine, as if he actually believed there was still a chance. “There's nothing left to give you,” | said, my voice

steady. “I gave you everything | had in the two years we were together, and now...” | placed a hand over my

chest. “There’s nothing left here for you.” He flinched, but | didn’t stop. “Adrian, you destroyed us. You made

your choices, and now you have to live with them. Letgo.” “I can’t,” he choked out. “I've tried, but no matter

what | do, | can’t get you out of my head.” “Then try harder,” | snapped, my tone cutting through whatever

illusion he was still clinging to. The truth is, | don’t have feelings for you anymore, Adrian.” | shut my eyes for a

second, pulling my emotions together. “You destroyed us. You made your choices. Now live with them and let me

go.” His jaw tensed. “You're lying. | don’t believe it. You lovedtoo much to just move on.” | said nothing, just

took a slow moment to look him over, my gaze filled with nothing but disdain. And that’s when | saw it-the faint

familiarity between them. The jawline... the eyes, except Adrian's were brown, like his hair, possibly a

resemblance to his mother. Even the smirk was similar to Gabriel's. But where Gabriel's was deep, rich, and

genuine, Adrian's felt hollow. Then there was their build. Adrian was fit but leaner, while Gabriel, who worked

consistently to maintain his strength, was broader, more defined. More handsome. Sexier. He outclassed Adrian

in every way. Despite being older, Gabriel was more of a man than Adrian would ever be. Adrian was right about

one thing-there was a twhen | had been foolishly in love with him, when | would have done anything to have

him back. But not anymore. My eyes finally fixed on his, blazing with pent-up emotions. “Adrian, there was a

twhen | was madly in love with you. And | might have fallen for all this bullshit, but not today. Not ever. I'm

wrance in Mell

currently in love with a man who has shownthe true meaning of love-what it means to be loved and to love

in return. He liftsup, praises me, and never tearsdown... unlike you.” | rose to my feet, burning with

frustration, done entertaining his bullshit. “Adrian, there is no way on God's green earth that we are ever getting

back together. So do yourself a favor-move the fuck on.” His hand closed over mine as he stood to meet me, his

grip tightening. “I'll never let you go,” he vowed. “I'll keep fighting to fix us.. to fix what | broke.” His gaze

burned with fury now, his breathing shifting erratically. “No other man can tear us apart. I'll fucking destroy his

life in this city. He's done.” | yanked my hand from his grasp. “You're insane. You need help. And don’t even think

about showing up at my work unless you want-" The words caught in my throat. “What? Huh?” His smirk

returned, taunting, “Insult me? Ripto shreds? Go ahead. But deep down, | know you still love me. And you'd -

var hurt me.”

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