The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 453

Just as the breakfast dishes were being put in the sink, the doorbell rang.

Simon Walker stood at the door, holding several large bags filled with Felix's favorite imported snacks and a few new outfits from the latest season's collection.

"Daddy Simon!" Felix cheered, throwing himself at Simon's legs.

Simon set the shopping bags on the entryway cabinet, chuckled and teased the boy for a moment, then looked up to see Rhys walking out of the kitchen.

Rhys was carrying a bowl of freshly washed strawberries and cherries. Dressed in a striped loungewear set, he had the distinct air of a settled husband.

Seeing Simon, he nodded naturally in greeting. "You're here. There's a new pair of slippers for you on the second shelf of the shoe cabinet. The dark gray ones. Help yourself."

Simon paused, his hand halfway to taking off his sunglasses. He gave Rhys a skeptical look, then glanced at the shoe cabinet.

When he opened it, there was indeed a new pair of men's guest slippers. Thick-soled, made of a cotton-linen blend—they were even the exact comfortable style he preferred.

Simon raised an eyebrow, casually hung his sunglasses on his collar, and sauntered inside after changing his shoes.

Clara stood to the side, watching the ordinary yet incredible scene unfold.

Rhys's change wasn't just talk.

He had learned to be observant, to be a host to her friends.

The temperature in the apartment was perfect. Simon handed a toy to Felix, popped a cherry from the fruit bowl into his mouth, and let his eyes wander around the living room.

The atmosphere felt different.

He couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed, but the feeling was undeniable. The last few times he'd come over, Rhys had acted like an outsider walking on eggshells, terrified of making a single mistake and being kicked out. Clara, for her part, was usually cold and distant.

But today was completely different.

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