The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 58

Clara held up the hem of her dress, carefully stepping around the snow patches as they walked back. "Didn't you just say you had guns of steel?"

"Even steel guns get cold. Hurry, hurry, let's get back to the heater."

Back in the dressing room, sitting before the mirror, she looked at her reflection.

She looked more like a bride now than she had two years ago on the day she actually married Rhys.

That day, Rhys had rushed off holding Margot, leaving her with nothing but his retreating back and a room full of awkward guests.

"What are you thinking about? Take your makeup off," Simon said, having changed back into his street clothes. He pressed a makeup remover pad against her eyelid. "Stop looking. Staring won't make you a real bride."

Clara closed her eyes. "Yeah. It's fake."

Whether it was the affection in the photos or the title of Mrs. Huntington, it was all fake.

By the time they were packed up, it was pitch dark outside.

Simon was searching for nearby restaurants on his phone when he suddenly stopped walking.

"Well then," he nudged Clara with his elbow. "Looks like someone else is fighting for the check tonight."

Clara followed his gaze. The familiar black SUV was parked by the curb.

The man in the driver's seat was turned sideways, one hand resting on the steering wheel. Who knew how long he had been waiting.

She hadn't expected him to come.

She hadn't told him her schedule, nor had she posted anything on social media.

Hearing their approach, Rhys turned his head.

Across the few meters of distance and drifting snowflakes, their eyes met.

Clara suppressed the urge to run to him. She kept her hands buried in her down jacket pockets, watching him quietly.

Rhys opened his door and stepped out. He walked to the bottom of the steps, his gaze lingering on Clara's partially cleaned face for two seconds before shifting to Simon.

His expression was bland, revealing neither anger nor joy.

"Captain Huntington, what a surprise," Simon greeted him with a grin. "Passing through? Or here to ticket someone for illegal parking?"

"Picking her up," Rhys said flatly, looking back at Clara. "Finished?"

Clara nodded. "Yeah."

"Let's go home." Rhys turned to open the passenger door.

"Hey, Captain Huntington," Simon called out. "I was just about to take Clara to dinner. Want to join us?"

"The lighting was good. Your smile looked natural."

Clara felt a lump form in her chest. She deliberately prodded, "You're not angry seeing that?"

Rhys chuckled. "Why would I be angry? It's your job, and you were helping a friend. I know Simon's situation; I'm not that unreasonable."

Simon was a gay. There really wasn't anything to be threatened by.

To Clara, Rhys was always rational, magnanimous and understanding.

Clara used to be obsessed with his unshakable composure, but now she hated it just as much.

If the protagonist in those photos had been Margot held in another man's arms, what then?

He probably would have driven like a maniac to tear the place down and get Margot back.

"Rhys, that wedding dress was really tight. My ribs hurt."

"Then wear them less. You don't need to do these shoots in the future. It's not necessary."

Clara looked down at the diamond ring on her hand. "Yeah. Definitely not necessary."

Just like this ring—flashy and useless.