Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

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."

Jess rubbed her temples. "Claire, relax."

"Relax?” I snapped. "What if we hadn't shown up? That guy could've knocked him unconscious, or worse-he had done some serious bodily harm to him, Jess."

Jess scoffed. "Okay, a bit dramatic. The guy threw a few punches. I don't think he was aiming for a homicide. And let's be real, Adrian's a rich kid-how well do you think he fights?"

She nudged my arm gently. "He's alive. Brian's dealing with him. Let's go back to my apartment, binge ice cream, and roast him until sunrise."

I sighed. "As much as I'd love that, I can't. I have to go back to Gabriel's. I need to make sure Adrian gets inside safe."

She frowned. "You're not his mom."

"I know, okay? I groaned.

"But technically, I am responsible for him right now. That contract I signed-it binds me to help him adjust and get his shit together. If he spirals like this, he won't take over anything. And if he doesn't take over, I don't get my freedom. My app goes unfunded."

Jess huffed. "Fine. I get it. Just... breathe."

She held my hand, and we both inhaled together.

Just then, Brian returned, supporting Adrian by the arm. He pressed a button on

his key, and the sleek black Lamborghini Urus blinked in response, its lightsnoveldrama

flashing like a quiet nod.

My eyes widened. "That's your car?"

Brian shrugged. "One of them."

I leaned toward Jess. "Bagged yourself a billionaire's son, huh?”

Jess rolled her eyes. "You're making a joke now. When tonight is about your drunk ex. Focus."

"Don't remind me," I grumbled.

Brian helped Adrian into the backseat. Jess climbed in beside him while I slid in

on the other side. Brian and Jess took the front. Thank God we hadn't driven.

The car started moving. Quiet. Peaceful.

Adrian fell back, quiet. For once.

I leaned back, ready to enjoy the silence.

Then I heard him murmur, "Claire? Is that you?"

Oh no.

He reached for me his hand brushed my cheek. "I love you. I fucked it all up. Please. I love you."

"Adrian, stop," I tried to nudge him away.

He slurred, "I'm sorry... I love you..."

Adrian slumped, 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 I let him be.

From the front seat, Brian glanced at us in the mirror. "Adrian, come on, man. Pull it together."

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "I could kill you myself."

Then I noticed the shift in the air between Jess and Brian. Awkward glances. A quiet smile. Definitely something there.

Jess broke the silence. "So... how do you know Adrian Storm?"

Brian shrugged. "We've been friends for a while. I was in Italy for a bit. Just got back recently-we reconnected."

Jess smirked. "Of course you did."

Brian glanced over at her. "Are you judging me by my friend's choices now?"

"If the shoe fits..."

She tilted her head. "So how exactly did Adrian end up at your place?"

Brian 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... appeared at the party. I didn't know any of that was gonna happen."

He turned slightly toward us. "How do you two know him?"

Jess hesitated.

I stayed quiet.

She answered, "Adrian's Claire's ex."

Brian blinked. "Oh. Wow. Didn't see that coming."

Jess nodded. "Yep. That's the whole circus."

We finally pulled into Gabriel's driveway.

"And we're here," I said, relief washing over me. "Help me get him out?"

Brian helped me haul Adrian up as he mumbled incoherently.

Inside, Jane opened the door. "Claire! Adrian? Oh my God, what happened?"

"He's just drunk," I replied. "Nothing else."

Brian asked, "Where can we let him sleep it off?"

"This way," Jane said. "But you'll have to help me."

Brian followed Jane into the house, leaving Jess and me outside.

I stood there, nervously biting my lip, eyes fixed on the front door like it might

swing open and swallow me whole.

Jess slowly rubbed her palms together, then glanced over at me.

"Claire, what's wrong?" she asked. "Adrian's home safe-so why do you look like

you're about to fall apart?"

I exhaled, forcing a small smile. "He's probably inside. I'm just... not

in the mood for one of Gabriel's

lectures. Adrian shows up drunk, I come home late-it's like handing him ammunition."

tos

Jess looked at me firmly. "Hey. Breathe. None of this is on you. Adrian's a grown man. We didn't drag him to that party-Brian invited

him. That's on him."

Jess touched my arm gently. "Want me to come in with you?"

I shook my head. "No. You wait here for Brian. I'll handle him myself."

She studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But if he starts losing it, I'm coming in."

A small laugh slipped out. "Deal."

And with that, I stepped toward the door.