The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 8

She hung up the phone and dawdled while touching up her makeup.

Simon followed her like a mother hen, nagging incessantly.

"You're just too soft-hearted. Call me if anything happens! Don't let him push you around again!"

Clara picked up her bag and waved without looking back. "I'm going."

Downstairs, Rhys was leaning against the car waiting for her. He looked like a cold-toned painting against the dreary winter streetscape.

Seeing her come down, he habitually opened the passenger door.

Clara didn't get in. She opened the rear door and sat in the back.

Rhys's eyes darkened for a second, but he didn't say anything. He closed the door and returned to the driver's seat.

Clara turned her head to look out the window, ignoring him.

When they arrived at Kaley's house, as soon as the door opened, a three-year-old boy in bear pajamas ran out and hugged Clara's leg.

"Auntie!"

Clara bent down and picked him up.

"Larkin, you got heavier again."

The little guy kissed her on the cheek and said in a childish voice, "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Clara smiled and carried him inside.

Rhys followed behind, carrying the toys and fruit he bought for the child.

Kaley came over to take the things from him, chiding, "You shouldn't have brought anything. So formal."

Rhys nodded faintly. "It's fine."

Kaley's husband, Calvin Wright, heard them and came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "Here? Wash up and eat."

At the dinner table, the atmosphere was fairly harmonious.

Calvin peeled a crab for Clara, creating a full plate of crab meat.

"Clara, you're too thin. Eat more."

Kaley chimed in. "Exactly. Look at you, your face has shrunk."

She glanced at the silent Rhys beside her. "Rhys, you too. Don't just focus on work. You need to care more about Clara. Her stomach isn't good; you have to make sure she eats."

Rhys gave a muffled acknowledgment. "Mmh."

He put some spinach—her least favorite—onto her plate. Clara stared at the green pile and didn't touch it.

Her little nephew held up a crab leg and asked innocently, "Auntie, when are you going to make me a little brother to play with?"

Kaley tapped her son on the head. "You talk too much."

She looked at Clara, her eyes full of expectation. "You should put it on the schedule."

Calvin added, "Yeah, you two should hurry up and have one. They can be companions."

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