The Officer's Runaway Wife and Secret Son novel Chapter 539

Felix furrowed his little brows, thought for a second, and shook his head.

The starting point of his world had been the ocean breeze at Heron Bay.

Concepts like Brighton City and Dad had been added to his universe much, much later.

"Because after you were born, I made a massive mistake."

Rhys's voice grew raspy.

Over the last two days, he and Clara had locked themselves in their bedroom and rehearsed this conversation no less than ten times.

How to bridge the topic, how to soothe his emotions, how to explain the past.

Terrified of bruising the little boy's fragile pride.

But now that the words were spilling out, he realized the rehearsals had been completely pointless.

"I thought... it would be better if your mom didn't have you. So, for your sake, she had to leave for Heron Bay."

The moment the words landed, Felix froze. His eyes widened, failing to hide the sudden, raw panic inside them.

He fully understood the literal meaning of that sentence.

"Did you... not like me? Did you not want me?"

Rhys's chest constricted with agony.

The words he had callously spoken five years ago had finally boomeranged back, piercing his own heart in the cruelest way possible.

He gritted his teeth and pulled Felix into a tight embrace.

"It wasn't that I didn't like you. I just didn't know how to like you. I was a coward. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to protect you and your mom. It was my fault."

Felix kept his head down, saying nothing.

His small body remained curled in Rhys's arms. He didn't push him away, but he didn't wrap his arms around his father like he usually did, either.

Steeling his nerves, Rhys pressed on. "So, what are you afraid of, Felix?"

"Why do you check my breathing in the middle of the night?" Rhys coaxed gently. "You drew a little person with no mouth, didn't you? What does that mean? Can you tell me and Mom?"

Felix still refused to speak.

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