The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 55

Simon's car was parked two kilometers away from the Huntington Mansion as usual.

He turned his head to look at the person in the passenger seat.

"You really don't need me to drive you in?"

"No need." Clara unbuckled her seatbelt. "The rules here are strict. If you drive this hot pink car in, Old Mr. Huntington will have the pavement repaved tomorrow."

Simon scoffed and unlocked the doors. "Fine, good luck then."

Clara got out carrying bags large and small, walking slowly toward the estate halfway up the hill.

The servants saw her return laden with bags and hurriedly came out to take them. Dazzled by the array of logos, they didn't dare ask questions and sent everything up to the second floor.

Mia waved with a smile when she saw her. "Bought so much? Is your mood a little better?"

Clara admitted it openly. "Much better. Spending money is great stress relief."

Mia didn't think there was anything wrong with that. Like Clara, she didn't like Margot, and besides, spending money was a perfectly normal pastime.

"Rhys makes money for you to spend. As long as you can look past things, it's fine."

Clara wanted to tell Mia about the divorce, but after hesitating for a long time, she swallowed the words.

Ultimately, Mia was a Huntington. Some things were pointless to say and would only increase the awkwardness.

After washing up, she turned off the lights and leaned against the headboard, scrolling through her phone.

In her feed, Simon had posted a photo of the three of them with the caption: [You can't imagine a rich woman's happiness].

Rhys had actually liked it.

At 11:30, the sound of a car engine came from outside the window.

Clara stuffed her phone under her pillow, pulled up the blanket, and lay down facing away from the door.

A few minutes later, the door was pushed open.

The mattress dipped, and a freezing hand reached under the covers, pressing against her lower back.

Clara flinched from the cold.

"I knew you weren't asleep." Rhys's voice carried obvious exhaustion, his throat a bit raspy.

Clara turned her head to look at him.

"What did you buy?" he asked, his palm rubbing her waist. "Are you happy?"

"Happy. I spent millions of your money, how could I not be happy?"

Rhys lifted a corner of the blanket and squeezed in, hugging her from behind.

"As long as you're happy." He buried his face in the crook of her neck and took a deep breath.

Clara sniffed too.

She suddenly couldn't recall the feeling of longing for this embrace.

Clara's tears wet the pillow.

She buried her head, not letting Rhys notice.

***

The next day.

Rhys didn't wear his police uniform; he changed into a suit.

Old Mr. Huntington took off his reading glasses and looked at him suspiciously. "Not going to the station today?"

Rhys: "There's a traffic safety seminar downtown this morning. No need for a uniform."

Clara glanced at his tie.

It was the one she gave him for his birthday last year. He had said he would wear it for important occasions.

Clara asked, "A seminar? Where is it being held?"

"The Convention Center. Want to come listen?"

"Just asking." Clara lowered her head to drink her soup. "I wouldn't understand it anyway."

Rhys said, "It's just protocol. I probably won't make it back to join you for lunch. If you want to go anywhere, I'll have the driver take you."