The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 270

Lavinia felt a slight prick in her chest.

The person who married Garnett after graduation was her. Hearing it put this way made it sound as though she had stolen Sigrid's happiness midway through.

But that wasn't how things happened. She didn't owe anyone anything.

Florence kept rambling on, her voice rising and falling.

"I know what Sigrid did was wrong, and I apologize on her behalf. But Ms. Joplin, I just can't bring myself to blame my own daughter. Fate has taken far too much from her, and I only want her to be happy. Can you understand a mother's heart?"

Lavinia's throat felt tight. She wanted to say something, but worried it would upset Florence even more.

"Ma'am."

A voice came from behind—steady and restrained.

Charley had arrived without them noticing. He stood behind Lavinia, holding a shopping bag in one hand.

After a brief silence, he spoke slowly, his tone flat: "Lavinia has no obligation to listen to you vent. And she certainly has no obligation to forgive the other woman who hurt her."

Florence stared blankly at the man who had suddenly appeared. She opened her mouth, a flicker of panic and embarrassment crossing her face, and stammered, "I'm sorry, Ms. Joplin. I said too much. Please don't take offense, I meant no harm."

Charley walked to Lavinia's side, grabbed her sleeve, and gently tugged upwards, pulling her up from the plastic chair.

"I've got everything. Let's go." His voice was low and gentle, directed only at her.

Lavinia stood up, feeling as though she had just been pulled from a long drowning spell.

Charley walked beside her for a few steps, then suddenly stopped. He turned slightly, looking back at Florence, who was still sitting in her chair, and said plainly:

"Lavinia has already moved on. She won't be involving herself in Garnett and Sigrid's karma anymore. Whether their future brings them misfortune or blessings, they brought it entirely upon themselves."

He paused.

"Please don't bother Lavinia again. She's very kind, but she doesn't need to play the saint."

"You have no right to demand her forgiveness."

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