The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 67

At six o'clock, Rhys was rummaging through the walk-in closet, making quite a racket.

In the past, his suitcase would have been impeccably packed by Clara long before this point.

Shirts would be folded by color gradient, ties rolled into their specific compartments, and underwear—even for a three-day trip—would be packed with two extra sets. Everything from his razor and charger to his usual stomach medication would be categorized and bagged.

All he used to have to do was show up and grab the handle.

Hearing the door open, Rhys looked up, his brow relaxing slightly.

"Did I wake you?" Rhys asked. "Where's that black tie? I remember putting it here last time."

Clara leaned against the doorframe and pointed vaguely. "Third cabinet, second drawer on the left."

Rhys pulled the drawer open but still found it chaotic.

"Come help me find it. There's too much stuff."

"You're going on a business trip, not becoming an invalid. I've never seen you walk out the door naked before."

Rhys paused, pulled out the tie, and said nothing more as he stuffed his belongings into the suitcase himself.

"How come I never noticed your mouth was this sharp before?"

"It's not too late to notice now."

He snapped the suitcase shut, holding the handle as he stood by the door. He watched Clara wandering around the room, refusing to come closer.

After a moment, Rhys walked over and pulled her into his arms.

Clara frowned, leaning her body back. "What are you doing?"

"Just a hug." Rhys lowered his head and planted a heavy kiss on her lips. "I'm leaving. The temperature is dropping, so wear more layers if you go out. I'll call you when I'm done."

"No need to call. I probably won't answer," Clara pushed him away. "I don't need to walk you out, do I?"

Rhys smiled. "No. I'm off."

The door closed. Clara walked to the balcony and watched as his SUV drove out of the complex a few moments later.

She suddenly realized she didn't feel that familiar hollowness in her chest, nor did she start calculating the time until his return.

Some had entered Big Tech, some had government jobs, and there were quite a few like Clara who had married right after graduation.

Simon trailed slightly behind Clara, lowering his voice. "When we go in, just use that diamond ring to blind that snob Emily."

Clara curled her lip. "Blinding her isn't necessary; shutting her up will suffice."

The door to the private room opened, and silence fell for a second as dozens of eyes looked over.

Dylan, the class president, slammed his wine glass down and shouted, "Hey! The belle of the department is here! Clara, you're a rare guest!"

Others immediately joined the teasing. "Clara, why are you alone? Where's your Captain Huntington?"

"Yeah, we haven't seen the hubby in years. Bring him out so we can have a look."

Clara took a seat beside Simon. "He's away on a business trip."

"Busy is good - means he's doing his job," Dylan replied. "Last time I saw him was at your wedding."

"Tell me about it." Emily, sitting across from them, smirked. "Didn't he go viral recently? 'Hot Cop' saves someone in the snow. The girl in his arms looked so fragile."