The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 66

The system sent an email with a PDF attachment to Clara's inbox ten minutes after she hung up.

Clara went to the study and connected the printer.

The stack of papers felt surprisingly light in her hands.

She signed her name on the line designated for the wife.

She had expected to break down, had even placed a box of tissues nearby, but not a single tear fell. Her hand was steady, her heart calm; it felt less like a tragedy and more like a necessary conclusion.

At three in the afternoon, Rhys sent a message.

[What do you want for dinner? I'll leave work early to pick up groceries.]

Clara replied: [Whatever.]

Rhys: [Make some fish chowder?]

Clara: [Up to you.]

It was going to be their last meal together anyway.

At 5:30, Rhys returned early.

His hands were full of grocery bags, along with a bouquet of fresh roses. It must have been freezing outside; the chill still clung to his heavy coat, but his expression was unusually gentle.

"Why didn't you turn on the lights?"

He changed his shoes and held out the flowers. "I passed a florist and these looked good. I thought they'd go well with that vase."

Clara didn't reach for them. "No need for the flowers. Give them to someone who needs them more."

The smile on Rhys's face faded.

He set the bouquet on the coffee table, assuming she was still just throwing a tantrum.

"Fine, don't arrange them if you don't want to. I'll go cook. Let's have a nice dinner, and afterwards, we can have a proper talk."

"Don't bother," Clara stopped him. "I have something for you to see."

Clara picked up the document that had been pinned under the roses, pulled it out, and slid it across the table to him.

Rhys lowered his gaze and saw-

Divorce Agreement

Rhys frowned, unable to comprehend where her 'exhaustion' was coming from.

His job meant they couldn't live like a normal couple, so they had agreed she wouldn't work to avoid them both being busy. But he never restricted her; she could do whatever she wanted. She loved beauty, loved enjoying life, went shopping, got spa treatments, and they even had a housekeeper.

What did she have to be tired about?

Clara spoke again, "I know Christmas is coming. My parents aren't in good health, and your grandfather can't handle any shocks. If we blow this up now, neither family will have a good holiday."

Rhys's expression softened slightly. "Since you know not to worry the elders, put that thing away. We'll talk after Christmas. You can stay home, or go to Simon's place to clear your head. Whatever you want."

"Okay."

Rhys was somewhat surprised by her compliance.

"But I have conditions," Clara raised her head, her eyes calm. "We sleep in separate rooms. After the holidays, you sign. Then we go to City Hall and finalize the paperwork."

Rhys nodded. "Fine."

He didn't take her words seriously. Her willingness to compromise was just the beginning of her softening up.

Rhys picked up his fork again. "Eat. The meat will get tough if it gets cold."