The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 273

The rain gradually slowed to a halt.

It was completely quiet around them.

A faint, shimmering reflection of water danced across the walls and ceiling from an unknown light source. The shadows swayed gently, looking like the surface of a lake, or perhaps a dream.

Two people sat quietly on the bed.

Forehead against forehead, noses nearly brushing, they stared into each other's eyes from mere inches away.

It felt like their very first meeting, yet also like a long-awaited reunion.

Charley held her face in his hands, his gaze sweeping over her features again and again—tenderly, meticulously, confirming her presence inch by inch.

Her cheek pressed against the rough lines of his palm. It was slightly calloused, but incredibly warm and grounding.

She tilted her head slightly, nestling deeper into his hand like a cat that had finally found its home.

Suddenly, Lavinia's eyes widened, and she pulled her face away. "The furniture downstairs! It's going to get ruined in the flood!"

Charley reassured her. "It's fine. When we bought the furniture, I specifically chose pieces with high legs. I took a quick look when I came in; the water hasn't reached the cabinets yet."

Lavinia breathed a sigh of relief.

From down on the street, the shouts of the community workers echoed, along with the distant responses of neighbors.

The community managers seemed to be going door-to-door, making sure everyone was safe.

"Are you okay to move?" Charley asked softly.

Lavinia nodded, murmuring, "I'm okay now."

"Let's go outside and take a look."

He pulled her gently off the bed, crouched down to fetch her slippers, and led her by the hand out onto the balcony.

Nemo trotted out after them, shaking out his golden fur before sitting obediently at Charley's feet. His fluffy tail swept back and forth across the floorboards.

The street below had turned into Venice.

The floodwaters reflected the moonlight, transforming the entire road into a flowing river.

The worker checked her clipboard. "Ms. Joplin, you're a doctor, right?"

"Not exactly," Lavinia called back. "But I'm a med student."

The woman's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! There are a few injured people over at numbers 16, 22, and 31. Someone has a high fever, and the actual doctors can't get out here right now. Could you come over and take a look?"

Lavinia didn't hesitate. "Yes, I'll be right there."

She turned to leave, but Charley caught her hand.

He looked down at her. "You're terrified of water."

"With you here, I'm not afraid anymore," Lavinia said.

Charley held her gaze for two solid seconds before leaning down and pressing his forehead against hers. He closed his eyes briefly, then let go.

"Then I'm coming with you."

The water downstairs hadn't fully receded yet and still reached their calves. At the bottom of the stairs, Charley crouched down, offering her his back.