The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 343

After a grueling six-hour wait, the flight from Africa finally touched down.

Lavinia stood at the arrivals gate, clutching the bouquet and craning her neck. At last, she spotted Charley.

He was wearing a white dress shirt with no tie, the top two buttons undone, and a dark suit jacket hanging open. He was rolling his own silver suitcase, surrounded by a group of men in severe, dark administrative jackets. Lucian Roche trailed close behind.

Out of habit, Charley scanned his surroundings. As his gaze swept over the arrivals area, he abruptly froze.

Lavinia stood there in a pale blue dress, cradling the vibrant, elegant bouquet, staring straight at him.

He paused for two seconds. Then he dropped his suitcase and practically bolted toward her, pulling her into a fierce embrace.

The moment Lavinia breathed in his familiar scent, her eyes welled up. They had only been apart for three days, but it felt like half a year. Holding the flowers in one hand, she tightly gripped his lapel with the other.

The men in the administrative jackets exchanged confused glances. One who looked like the leader gestured to his subordinates, who immediately stepped in to block onlookers trying to film the reunion with their phones.

It took everything Charley had to finally loosen his grip. He cupped her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you sooner, so I came," she murmured softly.

He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

"Are the flowers for me?"

Lavinia held the bouquet out with both hands. "Welcome back safely."

He took the flowers, studied them intently for a moment, and then looked deeply into her eyes. "I'm home," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

A short distance away, Lucian was quietly coordinating with the government men.

The leader approached them and extended a hand to Charley.

"Mr. Sheffield, Mr. Roche has briefed us. We'll split up here and take separate flights back."

Charley shook his hand firmly. "Director Kiefer, thank you for your hard work on this trip."

"We're all on the same team. Until next time." Director Kiefer returned the firm handshake and led his team away.

Once they were out of earshot, Charley leaned close to Lavinia's ear. "Those men are high-ranking government officials," he whispered.

He offered a soft smile. "See? I told you there was no need to worry."

Lavinia felt a little silly. An operation on a national strategic level obviously had powerful backing.

Lucian smiled faintly. "You don't get it, Zoey. A man must show the utmost respect for his future wife."

He paused, turning his attention to Charley. "But sir, there's no need to be overly formal either. We're all friends here. She flew thousands of miles just to see you—don't let her down."

Charley's eyes shifted. After a moment, he stood up. "I'm going to get her some motion sickness medicine." He turned and headed toward the cabin.

When he pushed the door open, the room was dimly lit by a single nightlight.

Lavinia was lying on her side facing the wall. Hearing the door, she turned over, her hair tumbling down to reveal the delicate line of her collarbone.

She still looked unwell, her eyes glassy and unfocused like she had just finished crying.

Frowning slightly, Charley walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, brushing a hand against her forehead. "Still feeling sick?"

Between the days of poor sleep and the severe motion sickness, her whole body felt entirely drained.

"I brought you some medicine. Take it and go to sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up."

Lavinia tugged lightly at the hem of his shirt. "Do you wear a specific cologne? You smell so good. Just smelling it makes the nausea fade. Could... could I have your jacket?"