Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 121: TTo End It All Clairessa's POV After having lunch with Daniel, I was back at Storm Innovations, standing in front of the elevator, impatiently gripping my phone. Gabriel had called multiple times, and I had ignored every single one. Hi's messages sat unread, and guilt ate at me. I needed to get back to my office, bury myself in work, and use it as an excuse for not checking my phone. Maybe then, I could figure out what to say to him. The elevator finally chimed, the doors sliding open. But just as I stepped forward, someone walked out-straight into my path. Adrian. I froze. He stepped out, his gaze locking onto mine, stoppingin my tracks. "Clairessa," he greeted smoothly, his voice carrying a familiarity that grated on my nerves. I swallowed hard, gripping my phone even tighter. I hadn't expected to see him here. Then again, why was I even surprised? This was his father's company. He had every right to be here whenever he wanted. But this time, unlike before, the rage I used to feel wasn't there. The hurt lingered, but it was different-dull, almost superficial. Adrian looked different, too. He had always prided himself on his appearance when we were together-always clean-shaven, always polished. Now, though still handsand tall, he looked like he hadn't shaved in days. Dark circles framed his eyes, making it clear he hadn't been sleeping properly either. "Adrian," I finally said, keeping my voice neutral. A small smirk tugged at his lips. "I'm glad I ran into you." He stepped closer, closing the space between us. I held my ground. "I'm sure. What are you doing here, anyway?" I asked, hoping he wasn't here just to stalk me. "My dad invitedto lunch," he replied. "And the only reason I agreed was because I thought it was a great opportunity to see you. So before you get upset, this isn'tseeking you out. This is fate, Claire." His voice dropped low. "Bumping into you like this-it's the universe tellingI was right not to give up on us." A dry laugh escaped me. "Adrian, I can't do this right now." I wasn't sure what ghe was playing. He had never been sweet or poetic when we were together. And now he believed in fate and the universe? It felt too convenient. "It was good seeing you, but I must get back to work," I added quickly, reaching for the elevator button, eager to put distance between us. Before I could press it, his hand covered mine, stopping me. "Claire... you can't run fromforever." I glared at him, my frustration building as I snatched my hand away. "I'm not running. We simply don't have anything to talk about." He let out a deep, almost desperate breath. "Yes, we do. We need to talk about us. I miss you. I miss us." He stepped even closer, backingagainst the wall. Panic shot through me. If Gabriel saw this-if anyone saw this- rumors would spread. I wanted Gabriel to hear the truth from me, not someone else. "Adrian," I pushed back forcefully against his chest. "I've made it clear that we are done. So stop this madness, especially at my workplace. It's inappropriate and putsin a bad light." He pulled back slightly, givinga little space. "It was never my intention to affect your job. As much as I wanted to see you all these months, I respected your decision. Considering how you beggednever to show up here or tell my dad about us..." His voice trailed off, jaw tightening before he continued. "But you've leftno choice. You're not picking up my calls. You told Jess to lie toabout your whereabouts. I thought giving you twould help, but it's not working. All I want is for us to talk." "We have nothing to talk about," I bit out, done with his manipulations. "So stop all of this." "I can't," he murmured, his eyes dark with emotion. "I won't. Not until you hearout." He reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek. "If you don't agree to have dinner with me, then I'll have no choice but to show up here. Every, Single. Day." I turned my face away, avoiding his touch, annoyed at his audacity. "You wouldn't dare." He smirked. "Oh, I will. As a matter of fact, I'll tell my dad I'm interested in joining the family business. I'll take an office right next to yours." My heart clenched. "Quit being ridiculous. You hate tech. You hate everything about your dad's company." He shrugged. "You're right about that," he admitted, amusement dancing in his eyes. "But the woman I love works in tech. And I'd do anything to have her back." The way he looked attoldhe meant every word. This was a disaster waiting to happen. If Adrian told Gabriel about us, or even carried out his threats... Shit. Everything would ccrashing down, and I could lose it all. I couldn't take that risk. I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Just one dinner." Adrian's expression shifted, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Friday night. My restaurant. 7 PM. Don't be late." He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my cheek. I turned my face away at the last second, refusing to meet his gaze again. But unlike before, there were no butterflies. Once upon a time, Adrian's presence had set my heart racing. Now? Now I just felt numb. I just needed him gone. And if dinner was the price I had to pay? So be it. The workday was finally over, and I couldn't wait to go home. With everything that had happened-from my unexpected lunch with Daniel to Adrian ambushingat work-I was exhausted, both mentally and physically. All I wanted was to get home, take a long shower, and pretend this entire day never happened. I stepped out of the building, rubbing my temples as I pulled out my phone, my unread messages from Gabriel still staring back at me. Before I could even think about responding, a sleek black SUV pulled up in front of me. I frowned, slowing my steps. The door opened, and Dastepped out. My widened. "Dario?" He nodded once, his usual stoic expression in place. "Miss Claire." I blinked in shock. eyes "What are you doing here?" "Mr. Storm sentto pick you up and bring you home," he said simply, as if this was a completely normal situation. I hesitated. "Wait-what? He didn't informthat you'd be pickingup." "Well... Miss Claire, my orders from Mr. Storm are clear. I'm to bring you to him." Dario's expression remained serious. "He also mentioned that you didn't drive to work today and didn't want you taking a cab or riding with anyone else." "Dario, I appreciate it, but I can manage. I'll just-" "Miss Claire," Dainterrupted, his tone calm but firm. "I was instructed not to take no for an answer." I sighed, glancing at my screen once more. Of course Gabriel wouldn't just letgo hon my own-not after I had ignored his calls all day. He certainly loved maintaining control over me. "Fine," I muttered, reluctantly walking toward the SUV. Dastepped aside, opening the door for me. "After you." I slid into the seat, sinking into the plush leather as he shut the door and got behind the wheel. The drive was silent. Danever spoke more than necessary, and tonight was no different. But my mind? It was loud. Gabriel had calledso many times, sent messages I hadn't answered. And now, instead ofgoing me, Dawas drivingstraight Gabriel's use. Was he angry? Frustrated? Or worse... was he beginning to doubt me? I ran my fingers over my phone, debating whether to send him a quick message, but what would I even say? Sorry for ignoring you, I just had a chaotic day? It wouldn't be enough. Gabriel hated being ignored, and I knew it. He was surely pissed as hell. By the tDapulled up to Gabriel's mansion, my nerves were on high alert. The best option was to cclean and tell him the truth. After today, I didn't want any more lies hanging over our relationship. It was tto end it all.