The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 96

That backpack she carried had been heavy. For a pampered princess who had never known a day of hardship, what kind of determination had fueled her to measure out that journey, step by agonizing step?

A sharp little ache bloomed in Rhys’s chest.

"What about Rhys? It's your turn!" someone in the group jeered playfully.

Rhys was silent for a moment before speaking. "I have never forgotten a single important anniversary."

Clara, who was sipping her drink, nearly choked.

She looked up, staring at Rhys in disbelief.

Was he serious?

On their first anniversary, he was at the hospital keeping Margot company for a checkup. On her twenty-third birthday, he had left her alone in a restaurant for three hours just to handle a traffic violation for Margot.

He hadn't forgotten? How did he have the nerve to say that out loud?

Perhaps in his mind, remembering the date counted as 'not forgetting,' even if he chose to be absent every single time.

Forgetting implies a lack of care. But remembering yet still choosing to be absent sends a very clear message:

*Clara, you just aren't that important.*

The people at the table, unaware of the history, bought it. The two younger girls cupped their faces in admiration.

"Wow, Rhys is such a good man!"

"There aren't many guys left who remember every anniversary. You're so lucky, Clara."

Clara forced the corners of her mouth up.

"Well." She set down her glass and bent her finger.

Rhys looked at her, his expression complicated.

Noah suddenly spoke up. "I'll go next."

In Rhys's world, she was the sensible one, the one who could wait, the backup plan where it didn't matter.

"Dr. Carter is quite the romantic," Rhys said, his tone flat. "But life isn't a romance novel. In the adult world, responsibility always comes first."

Noah smiled but didn't argue.

The topic was quickly diverted by the group of young interns. The girl who had started the game likely sensed the tension and hurriedly steered the conversation toward something lighter.

"Clara, you were a legend at Ashton University back in the day. We're two years below you, but we still see your name pop up in the 'classic threads' on the campus forums."

Clara paused. "I was that famous?"

"Of course! Back then, everyone said the Business School had a beauty queen who ignored all the wealthy trust fund babies just to chase a traffic cop from off-campus. People were taking bets on whether you'd catch him. There was even a betting pool."

Rhys turned his head, his eyes fixing on Clara's face.

He had known none of this.