The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 56

"We'll talk later." Rhys said so and left in a rush.

He checked his wristwatch, grabbed his car keys, and paused just long enough to drop a quick kiss on Clara's forehead before heading out the door.

Clara stood on the second-floor balcony, watching his black SUV disappear into the distance.

She changed her clothes and took out one of the Huntington family's spare Porsches. Mia had given her the keys yesterday when she returned. Clara had tried to refuse, but Mia insisted, so she eventually accepted. It was just a temporary ride, after all, and it saved her the trouble of hiking down the hill every day.

Next to the Convention Center stood Brighton City General Hospital.

Clara parked in the open-air lot across from the two buildings, rolled down the window, and lit a cigarette.

Before long, the familiar vehicle drove out of the hospital gates.

Clara narrowed her eyes. She watched the car drive past the entrance to the Convention Center without slowing down, turning instead onto a bustling commercial street.

Clara started the engine and followed.

Ten minutes later, the SUV pulled over near a heritage bakery famous for its pastries. The shop's almond cookies were legendary, with a limited daily supply. At peak times, the line would stretch from the door all the way to the street corner.

Rhys got out of the car and personally joined the end of the line.

Clara's hands trembled on the steering wheel.

She had once craved those exact almond cookies and had wheedled him to pick some up on his way home from work.

He had said, "Parking is a nightmare there, and the line is a waste of time. If you really want them, just order a courier to get them."

Clara had thought that made sense. In the end, she didn't even call a courier; she drove over herself and waited in line for forty minutes to buy them.

She had told herself it was fine since she had plenty of free time.

But now, there he was, standing in line, patiently shuffling forward with the crowd.

A young woman ahead of him seemed to recognize Rhys. Blushing, she tried to strike up a conversation. Rhys nodded politely but didn't engage further, his gaze fixed firmly on the service window ahead.

Clara lit another cigarette.

After waiting for nearly twenty minutes, he finally made his purchase.

Just one box.

Rhys carried the box of almond cookies back to his car. He was probably in a hurry to deliver his treasure.

Almond cookies were best when fresh from the oven.

The cigarette in her hand burned down, the embers singing her fingertip.

Clara snapped back to reality and let go. The butt fell onto the floor mat, burning a small, dark hole in the fabric.

She stared down at the burn mark, and tears fell hot and fast onto her hand.

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