The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 11

Veronica West's home was located in a neighborhood of detached villas in the city center. It was an enclave of stately European-style architecture, with stone statues at the entrance that were far grander than anywhere else.

Before the car had even come to a full stop, Clara looked through the window and saw a figure standing at the door in the night.

Margot.

Her face always carried that fragile, damsel-in-distress look that made people instinctively want to protect her.

Rhys hit the brakes and subconsciously glanced at Clara.

Seeing that Clara had no reaction, he unbuckled his seatbelt and got out first.

"Rhys!"

Margot's voice was sweet and soft as she trotted over and naturally wrapped her arms around Rhys's arm.

Rhys looked down at her, his brow furrowing.

"It's freezing out here. Why did you run out wearing so little?"

It was a tone reserved for loved ones—one Clara hadn't heard in a long time.

How long had it been since he used that tone with her? She couldn't even remember the last time.

Margot smiled sheepishly. "I saw your car from the window. I got so excited I forgot."

She looked up at him. "I was afraid you wouldn't see me and would get worried."

Clara felt a sharp sting in her heart.

She opened the car door, walked over at a leisurely pace, and stopped in front of the two of them.

As if just noticing her, Margot smiled at Clara. "Clara's here too."

Clara ignored her, her gaze landing on the hand hooked around Rhys's arm.

Rhys realized it was inappropriate and pulled his arm away, but Margot only held on tighter.

"...Let's go inside."

He walked forward, and Margot naturally let him lead her.

Clara fell a step behind them, feeling like a total third wheel.

Watching their harmonious silhouettes, a bitter, indescribable feeling rose in her chest.

From the driveway to the front door, it was only a few dozen yards.

Yet to Clara, the path felt endless.

Margot kept chatting, letting out light laughter every now and then. Although Rhys didn't say much, the lines of his profile were much softer than when he faced Clara.

Just as they reached the door, Clara suddenly spoke.

"When did you get back to the States?"

Margot's laughter stopped. She turned around, her face still wearing that innocent, harmless expression.

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