The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 76

Clara was still in the car.

With her temper, if she knew Margot was coming, she'd definitely make a scene. But...

"It's just one meal," Veronica West said, softening her tone seeing him waver. "Once Eric is done, I'll send someone to pick her up. It won't disturb you. Rhys, please."

Rhys withdrew his gaze and sighed. "...Fine."

Margot's eyes lit up, smiling through her tears. "Really? Rhys, you're the best!"

...

When Rhys came out of the villa, Clara checked the time.

Thirty minutes.

"Wait long?"

"What did you talk about for so long?"

Rhys started the car without looking at her. "Nothing much, just asked about my recent work."

Clara turned her head to look at him.

Liar.

Veronica West would never care about his work.

"Oh," Clara responded, reclining her seat. "Let's go."

...

On Christmas Eve, Clara woke up very early. In truth, she hadn't slept soundly at all.

With Rhys home on leave these past few days, there had been no shortage of tossing and turning in this bed.

Clara didn't want to cooperate but couldn't resist, so it always ended hastily.

Seeing her awake, Rhys leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Morning. Merry Christmas, Clara."

He had been in a good mood these last few days, a smile playing around his eyes and brows.

"Morning." Clara's voice was a bit hoarse.

"Get up and get ready. We'll leave early after breakfast." Rhys turned toward the walk-in closet. "Traffic will be bad today; better to leave early to avoid the jams."

Clara threw off the covers and got out of bed.

When she came out after washing up, Rhys was already picking out clothes for her.

He was holding a red hooded knit sweater with a ring of fox fur around the hood. It looked warm.

"Wear this one." Rhys held the clothes against her body to check the look. "It looks good. Grandpa will be happy to see it."

Clara had no objections and put it on.

"Why are we picking her up?"

"To spend Christmas at Grandpa's. Mom and Eric are going out, so no one's home. Leaving her alone in an empty house for Christmas... I'm not comfortable with that."

Not comfortable.

Clara turned her head to stare at him fixedly. "So you plan to bring an outsider to the Huntington family holiday dinner?"

"She's not an outsider."

"Then what is she?"

Rhys grew impatient. "She's not well. Can't you show a little mercy? Do you really need to settle scores with someone who's sick?"

"I am showing mercy," came the sharp reply. "But who has ever shown any mercy to me?"

Rhys squeezed her hand. "When she gets in the car later, just keep quiet."

Clara stopped talking.

Reasoning with someone pretending to be asleep was useless, even if she shouted herself hoarse.

To Rhys, Margot was a fragile thing that would shatter at a touch, while Clara was unbreakable—the kind of woman who could take any blow and still be expected to stand strong.

"Whatever."

Clara pulled her hand back. "It's your car, your house. Bring whoever you want."