The Officer's Runaway Wife and Secret Son novel Chapter 456

Simon always had a sharp tongue, and he was no different with anyone else.

But while his words today were blunt, anyone who knew him could tell there was no real hostility in his tone.

They had all seen how Rhys had been conducting himself at Riverside Court lately.

Rhys waved a waiter over and ordered a glass of warm water. After the waiter left, he clasped his hands on the table, looked at the three of them, and said seriously, "I need to ask you for a favor."

Emily couldn't help but ask, "What kind of favor? Why isn't Clara with you?"

"I didn't tell her I was coming," Rhys said. "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and... I still owe her a play."

Simon's expression changed.

He was the only one who knew what had happened that night.

Clara had been showing off the two tickets to him for ages, but then Rhys showed up, only to be called away by Margot. They never even made it out the door.

The play was never seen.

It became the first real thorn in Clara's side.

She never mentioned wanting to see a play again.

Rhys looked up at the three of them. "Tomorrow night, at the same theater, the same company is performing a new play. I bought tickets."

He wasn't afraid of Clara bringing up the past; he was afraid of her letting that regret fester inside her.

"I don't know if she's willing to go with me, and if I ask her directly, she'll probably refuse. That's why I wanted to ask for your help. To get her to come out under the pretense of a group dinner."

Daniel frowned. "You mean you want us to help you trick Clara into going?"

"It's not tricking," Rhys corrected him. "I want to court her again. That relationship psychology book you gave me said this is called 'engineering a plausible romantic encounter.'"

Daniel was speechless.

Emily and Simon both turned to look at him with expressions that were hard to read.

What kind of weird books was this guy reading in his spare time?

[Tomorrow's Christmas Eve. Come to my place for dinner. I bought a turkey, and Daniel says he'll roast it.]

Simon immediately followed up with a sticker: [Don't be a party pooper.]

Clara thought about the situation at home.

Rhys had been resting for the past few days. If she took Felix and left, he'd be all alone at Riverside Court.

She replied: [Rhys is still at home.]

Emily replied instantly.

[Bring Felix with you and let Rhys fend for himself. He's a grown man, can't he even make pasta for himself?]

Reading the message, Clara couldn't help but picture Rhys sitting all alone at the dining table with a plate of pasta in front of him.

She looked down at her phone screen and let out a soft laugh.