The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 3

Back in the room, her uncle had taken his medication and was already asleep. Saul told Lavinia to go home and rest, and to come back the next morning.

Lavinia obediently agreed.-

Stepping out of the hospital doors, the sharp scent of antiseptic finally faded. She walked with her head down and bumped straight into someone.

"Sorry," she murmured without looking up, sidestepping him to keep walking.

Charley Sheffield stood frozen, turning his head to watch her retreating figure.

"Charley?" The man beside him nudged his arm. "What's wrong?"

Jimmie Jennings followed his gaze and let out a soft *oh*. "Her. Her uncle is admitted here. Second floor, general ward."

"Isn't this the Harper family's hospital?" Charley tightened his fists.

"Yeah." Jimmie lowered his voice. "I heard Garnett gives her twenty grand a month for household expenses, and her in-laws don't give her a dime. No company shares, no dividends, no stock options. Nothing. Rumor has it the Harpers also strictly forbid Garnett from doing any business with her cousin's company."

Charley said nothing, his eyes still fixed on the hospital gates.

"Stop staring. Mr. Coleman is still waiting." Jimmie started walking. "Visiting hours are almost over."

"Jimmie, give me your car keys."

Jimmie paused, then handed them over.

Charley was already sprinting after her.

Standing there, Jimmie shook his head and muttered, "She doesn't even remember you. Why torture yourself..."

***

Lavinia stood by the curb, waiting for her rideshare.

The hospital entrance was swarming with people leaving from visiting hours. Cars were gridlocked, horns blaring endlessly.

She glanced down at her phone. The car she'd hailed was still stalled a mile away, the map glowing angry red with traffic.

The night breeze carried a chill, prompting her to pull her trench coat tighter.

Suddenly, a black SUV pulled up right in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing an impossibly handsome face. The driver was wearing a three-piece suit, the fabric giving off an understated, luxurious sheen.

"Ending in 3688. Did you order this ride?"

That was the last four digits of her phone number. She checked her screen again. Her driver was still a mile away, completely stationary.

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