The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 330

Felix was already fast asleep.

He had been in a great mood today, even eating more than usual.

His sleeping face was free of worries, the corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile. He was probably dreaming that his "special forces dad" had really scared away the monsters.

She closed his door and went out to the terrace, where Simon was, just as she'd expected.

Two cans of beer sat beside him. Hearing her approach, he didn't even turn around as he picked one up and handed it to her.

"It's cold. To clear your head."

Claire took it, and the can hissed open. She tilted her head back and took a long swig.

"What are you thinking about?" Simon asked, leaning against the railing. "Noah's ring, or Rhys and all his injuries?"

"Neither. I'm thinking about myself."

Simon turned to look at her. "Noah really likes you."

"I know." Claire took another sip of beer. "He's a good man. So good that I feel like if I don't say yes, I'm being ungrateful, selfish, and disregarding Felix's future."

If she accepted, everyone would be happy.

Her parents would be relieved, Felix would have a father and no one would dare gossip about him, and she could live the rest of her life in peace.

If Rhys hadn't shown up, she would have said yes. In fact, she had been preparing herself for Noah to ask her.

But all of that was before he reappeared.

"Do you still love Rhys?" Simon asked directly, seeing her hesitation.

Claire thought about it.

So much time had passed, she thought she was beyond love or hate.

She rarely dreamed about him anymore, rarely thought about their past.

But if she truly didn't care, why did her hands tremble when she saw him covered in wounds?

It was resentment, Claire thought.

The Claire before she became "Felix's mom," "Rhys's ex-wife," or "Noah's potential fiancée." The Claire who once loved and hated fiercely, who, even after hitting a brick wall, would try to tear it down.

"Noah gave me two weeks. In those two weeks, I want to see, without all these messy relationships, stripped of all these roles, what is it that I truly want."

If it was to escape Rhys, then running to the ends of the earth wouldn't help.

If it was to repay Noah, then this marriage would be a mistake before it even began.

She had to clear out all the rotten parts of her heart to know if what was left could still love, or dared to love, again.

Simon stared at her for a long moment, then came over and slung an arm around her shoulders, giving her a firm shake.

"Alright, Claire. You've finally got some of that old fire back."

"My parents…"

"I'll handle them. I'll just say you need to go find some inspiration. You're a big-shot influencer, it's a legitimate excuse." Simon patted his chest. "Felix is older now, so just go have fun. And if you run into some hot young guy who's better than both of them, remember to send me pictures. Don't keep all the fun to yourself."

Claire kicked him playfully. "Oh, shut up."