Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 156

Gabriel’s POV

As Clairessa walked out, I stood frozen—caught between chasing after her or letting her go.

And I let her go.

Even though it felt like someone had reached into my chest and torn my heart out without mercy.

The last look on her face—God, I’d never forget it. That raw, agonizing pain in her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I did that.

All because I let my emotions override every ounce of reason I had.

Because of a fucking photo. One I didn’t even trust. I reacted without thinking. Without proof. Without giving her the benefit of the doubt.

I let it poison everything. Let suspicion consume me. Let anger drive me—and now? God, now I might’ve destroyed the one good thing I had.

I may have just destroyed the only real chance at love I’ve ever had. At happiness. At peace.

“Fuck...” I muttered, dragging both hands through my hair, fingers tangling in the strands like I could burn the frustration out through my scalp.

But nothing made sense anymore.

Flashes from the night before hit me like a brutal tide. Standing Clairessa up on the rooftop. Ignoring her messages. Driving to The Cave, letting the music drown out my thoughts.

The burn of alcohol. The lights. The strippers. Tina.

Meeting her. Drinking. Letting her get close.

Bringing her here.

I remembered the strip tease. Her grinding on me. Her hands roaming as she undressed me—lips on my skin, fingers tugging off my shirt… then reaching lower, fumbling with my pants… my briefs.

And after that—nothing. Just a blank space.

I turned around slowly, dreading what I might’ve done.

Tina stood by the door, arms loosely crossed over her chest, biting her lip like she didn’t know what to say.

Like she was sorry.

Like she knew exactly what was running through my head.

“What the hell happened last night?” I asked, my voice hoarse. “Tell me we didn’t...”

I couldn’t even say it. The words refused to come out. My stomach twisted at the thought. I needed to hear her say it. I needed to know I didn’t completely betray Clairessa—physically.

“No, Gabriel,” she interrupted, raising a hand. “You were drunk. Completely out of it.”

I stared at her, the words barely registering.

“What?”

“I mean... I tried," she admitted, looking away. "I used every trick I knew—ones that used to work on you back in the day. But nothing did.”

“We didn’t,” Tina said firmly. “You passed out right after I undressed you. I was already half-naked from dancing—I just lay down beside you. That’s it. Nothing happened.”

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