The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 394

Latham nodded, saying nothing, but a warm smile touched his lips.

Charley had already taken the liberty of ordering the food. True to local custom, the soup arrived first. Mandy took a sip and gasped in delight. "This must have been simmering for five or six hours!"

"Six hours," he confirmed. "The kitchen started it early. I know Mr. Joplin needs to eat light, and this duck soup is rich in nutrients without being greasy. You should have plenty."

Latham set down his spoon and offered a polite nod. "You're very thoughtful."

"Your color is already so much better than last time I saw you," Charley noted. "I spoke with your doctor. With the right care and a slow recovery, there's a very good chance you'll get back to how you used to be."

As they drank the soup, he went over various recovery and dietary tips. He had clearly done an immense amount of research.

Lavinia hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

For one, her uncle's condition was vastly improving, and full recovery was now a real possibility. Secondly, Charley was taking such wonderful care of her family. Seeing them happy made her happy.

While he was talking to her aunt and uncle, Charley casually glanced over and caught Lavinia staring at him with deep affection.

Caught in the act, she didn't look away. Instead, she flashed him a bright smile.

He reached across the space and gently wrapped his warm hand around hers. Her guardians noticed the subtle exchange, and the smiles in their eyes deepened.

True affection was something you could spot from a mile away.

Latham was a man of few words, so his wife often spoke for him. With just one look from her husband, Mandy knew exactly what he wanted to ask.

The young man had a great background, was incredibly handsome, and had never been married. Some things needed to be addressed upfront so no one could ever claim Lavinia was taking advantage of him.

"Charley," Mandy began with a gentle smile, "Lavinia has been married before. Even though it was a short marriage, we know what kind of person you are. You're still young, and there are certain things we hope you've thought through carefully. We wouldn't want anyone saying she's holding you back."

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